Laboratory support is fundamental for several reasons: 1. Accurate Diagnosis: Laboratories help in confirming clinical diagnoses through various tests, ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment. 2. Surveillance: They enable continuous monitoring of disease patterns, helping in early detection of outbreaks. 3. Research: Laboratories contribute to epidemiological research by providing data on pathogen characteristics, resistance patterns, and genetic information. 4. Policy Development: Data from laboratories informs public health policies and intervention strategies.