Participant perceptions of the impact of the ModPad program on molecular diagnostic capacity building and public health practices.

Objective: To investigate the perceptions of the participants having attended the International Training Program on Molecular Diagnosis and Pathogen Determination (ModPad) about its enhancing effect on their molecular diagnostic capacity as well as related public health practices. Method: A cross-sectional survey was administered to ModPad participants (both international and Chinese) using a structured questionnaire to understand their improvement in molecular techniques, knowledge transferability, satisfaction with training components, and perceived enhancements in public health service delivery and policy implementation after attending ModPad. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, with Fisher's exact test applied the expected cell frequency <5. The significance threshold was set at Result: Through attending the ModPad, the top 3 technologies with the highest mastery rate reported by the international participants were PCR (87.9%), sample collection, storage and transportation (72.7%), and RNA extraction (69.7%), whereas Quantitative real-time PCR (59.5%), Next-generation sequencing (NGS, 59.5%) and PCR (56.8%) were reported by Chinese participants. Both international and Chinese participants reported challenges in acquiring expertise in complex techniques such as CRISPR-based diagnostics and third-generation sequencing (TGS). ModPad was widely recognized in the participants for its contribution to strengthening laboratory capacity and related public health services; however, its direct impact on policy development was perceived as moderate. While participants expressed high satisfaction with the program's practical, hands-on training and in-depth technical instruction, variations in satisfaction levels emerged, particularly concerning curriculum structure and organization. Key recommendations for program improvement from the participants included further adaptability to regional needs, incorporating more advanced molecular techniques, and reinforcing policy-oriented training modules. Conclusion: The participants of the ModPad program perceived significant strengthening of their molecular diagnostic competencies, as well as the program's role in facilitating effective knowledge dissemination among public health professionals, leading to enhanced laboratory capacity and improved service delivery.