Dr Charlene Bennett

WHO Programme Co-ordinator

National Virus Reference laboratory

Biography

Dr. Charlene Bennett is a virologist working to strengthen public health surveillance and diagnostic capabilities in Ireland. As the Head of the WHO National Polio Laboratory of Ireland and WHO Programme Coordinator at the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), she supports efforts to maintain the lab’s role as a WHO-accredited Polio Reference Laboratory, contributing to Ireland’s polio surveillance and eradication commitments.

In addition to polio surveillance, Dr. Bennett is involved in the WHO Measles and Rubella eradication programmes. She works on enhancing diagnostic capabilities to support timely detection and response to cases, helping Ireland meet WHO targets for disease elimination.

Dr. Bennett also plays a role in the Influenza Sentinel Surveillance Programme, which monitors influenza activity across Ireland. By overseeing data collection and analysis from sentinel sites, she helps provide timely information on circulating influenza strains, supporting vaccine planning and public health responses.

Dr. Bennett is a CORU registered Medical Scientist and Fellow of the ACSLM.