In a groundbreaking move to bolster the laboratory profession in Africa, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) unveiled the Regional Laboratory Professional Association during its biennial conference, ASLM2023. The association aims to play a pivotal role in reshaping the laboratory profession to effectively contribute to Universal Health Coverage.

During the conference, ASLM hosted representatives from 14 laboratory professional associations and regulatory councils across Africa. The discussions centered on repositioning the laboratory profession, with a focus on creating a vision for advancement, advocating for professional recognition, promoting continuing education, and regulating the laboratory profession.

ASLM’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan emphases strengthening laboratory professional associations, and to date, ASLM has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with 14 professional associations in Africa. The Regional Professional Laboratory Association has been established in a bid to ensure a unified approach towards furthering this goal.

The newly formed association is tasked with advocating for the recognition and advancement of the laboratory profession on both global and regional platforms, including engagement with institutions such as the United Nations, the African Union Commission, regional economic blocs, and national governments across Africa.

Among the association’s proposed responsibilities is the establishment and promotion of governance and regulatory structures for practicing laboratory medicine professionally and ethically. It also aims to define and promote career development paths sensitive to local contexts and the dynamic field of laboratory medicine.

Furthermore, the association will identify and facilitate opportunities for south-to-south collaborations in laboratory systems strengthening. This collaborative approach is envisioned to enhance the quality, reliability, and timeliness of laboratory services in the region.

ASLM has taken on the crucial role of the secretariat for the Regional Professional Laboratory Association. Plans are underway to convene a meeting in early 2024 to establish the governance structure, marking a significant step toward formalising the association’s operations.

This initiative holds promising prospects for elevating the laboratory profession in Africa, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes, and fostering overall development within the region’s healthcare system.