ASLM and Africa CDC Collaborate in Zambia to Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure through LabMaP Initiative

In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Zambia, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have united their efforts in Lusaka under a project funded by GIZ. Over four days, officials from Zambia’s Ministry of Health have embarked on intensive training sessions focused on lab mapping, using ASLM’s LabMaP initiative, followed by a 13-day data collection endeavor.

During the opening of the training, Mr Davy Nsama, Laboratory Services Unit, Directorate of Clinical Care and Diagnostic Services, Ministry of Health Zambia, expressed enthusiasm at the collaborative spirit underpinning the initiative. He commended the diverse representation of laboratory professionals from both private and public sectors, highlighting the pivotal role they play in advancing healthcare.

Mr Nsama recalled the genesis of the lab mapping concept, which was first introduced during the ASLM2023 conference in Cape Town, South Africa. He underscored the importance of this initiative for Zambia’s laboratory management and extended gratitude to ASLM for their technical support and commitment to the process.

The collaboration between ASLM and Africa CDC, aims to empower national and facility-level representatives, fostering an environment conducive to enhancing laboratory networks and systems. At the core of this effort lies the LabMaP project, which seeks to strengthen existing laboratory capacities by refining the specifications of a tiered national laboratory system and networks.

Throughout the comprehensive training program, participants are actively engaged in collecting data to evaluate various metrics, such as the number of laboratories and the accessibility of laboratory services. This data is strategically utilised for planning and investments in healthcare infrastructure.

In Zambia, the LabMaP initiative is poised to extend its support to 23 animal laboratories, one environmental laboratory, and 258 human laboratories, representing a significant portion of the nation’s total laboratory resources. This underscores Zambia’s dedicated commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and service delivery across diverse sectors.

ASLM is committed to supporting countries in all aspects of data management and is appointing focal persons for the LabMap initiative. These individuals will play a crucial role in maintaining databases, updating resource mappings, and establishing a public portal for transparent access to critical information.

Together with Zambia and other partners, ASLM, Africa CDC and GIZ are spearheading a more resilient and data-driven healthcare landscape. This collaborative effort is poised to meet the evolving needs of communities, laying the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future.