The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) has developed a comprehensive new strategy to drive the coordinated implementation of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (LQMS) across the continent. The strategy aims to position LQMS as a cornerstone for improving access to diagnostics and ensuring a healthier Africa for all.

Recognizing the pivotal role quality laboratories play in strengthening health systems, ASLM has developed this strategy to serve as a sustainable roadmap for standardizing LQMS implementation across its diverse portfolio of programs. By streamlining efforts and promoting consistency, ASLM seeks to establish itself as the go-to organization for LQMS support in Africa and beyond.

A Coordinated Approach to Laboratory Quality

“This strategy marks a turning point in how we support and institutionalize quality in laboratories across Africa,” said Dr. Juliana Ndasi, Portfolio lead, ASLM. “It ensures that whether we are working in human health, animal health, environmental labs, or research institutions, our approach to quality management is unified, impactful, and scalable.”

Clear Goals and Purpose

The strategy outlines a bold goal: to ensure a well-coordinated and structured implementation of LQMS across all ASLM programs. Its core purpose includes enhancing coordination and efficiency, standardizing implementation processes, supporting institutionalization of quality systems within national structures, expanding training and mentorship opportunities, and strengthening advocacy and communication with country leadership and key stakeholders.

Broad Scope Across Health Sectors

This strategy also reflects ASLM’s commitment to the One Health approach, offering guidance on LQMS implementation not only in human health laboratories, but also in animal and environmental health settings. It extends further to include specialized laboratories such as research labs, equipment calibration facilities, and external quality assessment (EQA) providers.

Driving Change Across Africa and Beyond

With this strategy, ASLM aims to amplify its impact on laboratory systems strengthening by scaling successful practices, building a continent-wide network of trained professionals, and embedding quality culture into national health systems.

The development of the LQMS strategy reinforces ASLM’s mission to advance laboratory medicine and diagnostics, providing countries with the tools, frameworks, and expertise to build resilient, high-performing laboratory networks that can respond effectively to public health challenges now and in the future.