Global health security is on the rise if the increased frequency of public health emergencies, recent outbreaks and pandemics are any measure.
Hence, the just concluded ASLM Special Convention on Diagnostics 2024 themed “Transforming Diagnostic Systems in Africa: Harnessing Innovation and Quality Assurance to Elevate Equity and Excellence" came at the opportune moment.
The need for robust diagnostics that are essential for effective disease control and patient care is needed.
Not only are resilient diagnostics networks and systems critical to attaining Universal Health Coverage, but access by underserved and marginalized communities of laboratory services is also a key factor in achieving the African Union Agenda 2063 - “A Safe and Secure Africa - Africa We Want”.
The ASLM Special Convention on Diagnostics attracted more than 300 experts, policymakers, partners and civil society.
It provided an opportunity for sharing best practices, fostering collaborations and exploring innovations.
The rich futuristic scientific program covered critical areas of how to strengthen laboratory systems and networks as well as increase access to life-saving diagnostics using the latest innovations and technologies.
The rigorous deliberations produced four key outcomes: Diagnostic advocacy where ASLM’s commitment to advancing diagnostics with policymakers was reinforced; community involvement with highlighting of the crucial role civil society plays in driving diagnostics progress; leverage local expertise by launching a sub-community of practice on procurement and supply management (PSM) for genomics as a platform for co-creating solutions to chronic logistics and supply issues, and finally, government commitment with the issuance of “A-Call-To-Action” for governments to strengthen laboratory systems and expand access to quality diagnostics across Africa.
A key highlight of the Convention was the Call-To-Action by civil society through their Diagnostic Equity Consortium (DEC) where they committed to “play their part in increasing diagnostics literacy at the community level, prepare communities for new diagnostics to improve demand and uptake, and relaying communities’ experiences and needs to duty bearers, including national lab directors, MOH program leads, Global Fund global health actors, donors, and industry".
Access to diagnostics requires that the laboratory services be well-structured and appropriately placed within the governance and leadership structures of the Ministries of Health in accordance with the Maputo Declaration of 2008.
Concerned with the slow implementation of the declaration, in 2023, the ASLM Laboratory Directors Forum (LaBDF) issued a call to action for the “establishment of strategically planned and adequately resourced financial and human, stand-alone Directorates of Laboratory Services at the Ministries of Health, fully mandated to oversee all national (private and public) diagnostic services".
In this Convention, the LabDF convened the Special Ministerial Session where they engaged with continental leadership and further called for “elevation, recognition and Institutionalization of Laboratory Service to a level that enables effective engagement with Government Leadership and partners in identifying diagnostic priorities and secure commitments for resources and political support in strengthening diagnostics including establishment of fully mandated Laboratory Directorates to oversee all national diagnostic services both private and public".
The convention reckoned that the laboratory’s role will continue to be ineffective if they continues to be embedded in other disciplines like pharmacy.
This is why ASLM has committed to engaging all stakeholders to mobilize support for well-structured laboratory services.
Story of best practice- Uganda
Countries where laboratory services are well-recognized have shown significant strides in the provision of accessible, safe and quality healthcare services which contribute to the well-being and economy of the populace.
Uganda is one such country.
Using systems and experts, Uganda’s lab services have been pivotal in the preparedness and response to epidemics like Ebola and Mpox.
Uganda also hosts one of the three Supra -national TB Reference laboratories in Africa that has contributed to the national and regional control of TB.
It further boasts of ISO-certified equipment and calibration centre that serve as hubs for training and capacity building for regional laboratory experts.
As such, ASLM honoured the president, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as the ASLM Champion for Laboratory Services in Africa for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing public health.
With his support, ASLM looks forward to continued support to champion Africa’s need for diagnostics, promoting better health for all.
“Through strengthening laboratory services, we’re positioning Africa to not only tackle its own health challenges but also to contribute meaningfully to global health security,” President Museveni noted during the recognition ceremony.
It is scary that 47% of the global population has little to no access to diagnostics due to underfunding and inadequate resource allocation to laboratory services.
Hence, the need for collective action. Governments, the scientific community, development partners, donors and civil society must work together to build resilient laboratory systems and networks.
Investments
in diagnostics, well-structured laboratory services and community awareness are
cornerstone to the future of diagnostics.
NQOBILE Ndlovu, MPH is the CEO,
African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
E : [email protected] X:
@MrNqobileNdlovu
