Expert Advice

The LabCoP Management Team recently sat down with Theresa Sumani Msikuwanga, Assistant Director of Health Technical Support Services at the Malawi Ministry of Health, and Member of the Malawi LabCoP country team, to discuss their experience implementing ASLM’s LabMaP programme into their country plan. LabMaP, a partnership between ASLM and InSTEDD, and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to establish a system for the collection, storage and analysis of GIS-linked data on laboratory capacity, systems and networks in Africa. LabMaP provides a solution to countries that are ready to inventory geo-located information on their laboratory systems, in support of evidence-based decision making. 

ASLM: What was the impetus for Malawi’s engagement with LabMaP?

Ms Msikuwanga: Malawi engaged ASLM to implement LabMaP, because we wanted to understand our available capacity across our laboratory networks, which involved all sectors including human, animal and environmental health.

ASLM: What activities took place as you began to implement LabMaP?

Ms Msikuwanga: Prior to commencing to map our laboratories, representatives from human and animal health went through a LabNetLead training, which aimed at building leadership skills among the participants, as well as enhancing their understanding of laboratory networks and systems. Resources were mobilised and we determined the number of laboratories to be mapped for each tier. Laboratory mapping was then conducted in two phases, one in May 2023 and the other in February 2024, according to available resources. The LabMaP data was then validated and analysed to identify gaps and priority areas within the network in order to come up with remedial actions.

ASLM: How did the LabCoP Management Team help you launch the LabMaP initiative?

Ms Msikuwanga: The LabCoP Management Team was quite critical to our success. They helped us through training and provision of technical assistance to build capacity among data collectors in order to achieve quality data collection.

ASLM: How are you using the data you are collecting to improve health outcomes in Malawi?

Ms Msikuwanga: That LabMaP data was used to establish available capacities and strengths across the laboratory network that needed reinforcement. It helped identify gaps and set priorities for improvement within the network. The data has also been crucial in designing optimisation scenarios for the network.

ASLM: What benefits have you seen from the LabMaP programme so far?

Ms Msikuwanga: The LabMaP programme provides visual representation and relationships amongst tiers and services provided across the Malawi’s laboratory network. It creates opportunities for optimisation of the diagnostic network, an integrated sample referral system and strengthening of our One Health approach to public response to epidemics and disease surveillance.

ASLM: What guidance would you give to other countries who have not yet implemented the LabMaP programme?

Ms Msikuwanga: Laboratory mapping is critical in the delivery of laboratory services. Countries should strongly consider adopting the LabMaP programme, as it provides opportunities to gain insights during efforts to strengthen a laboratory network.