Training programmes for developing countries.

Unprecedented gains have been made in the early detection and prevention of childhood metabolic diseases. Over the last 12 years under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Programme there have been newborn screening (NBS) projects in all the key regions--Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. A total of 29 projects have been undertaken at an estimated total cost of US$6.7 million, mainly focused on establishing and supporting NBS for congenital hypothyroidism. Under these projects professional training has been one of the key objectives. This short report provides a summary of the training efforts under these projects.