Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent global health challenge, but the World Health Organization’s (WHO) newly released cascade offers a transformative roadmap for identifying gaps and prioritizing interventions to improve access to TB diagnosis and treatment. This tool, structured around 4 steps and 12 benchmarks is set to revolutionize TB outcomes globally.

In alignment with this vision, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), through its Laboratory Systems Strengthening Community of Practice (LabCoP), is collaborating with WHO and key stakeholders to support the adoption of these standards across African countries.

To drive this, ASLM conducted a survey during the LabCoP annual in-country review workshops to assess capacities for data collection and reporting against the 12 TB benchmarks. The findings highlight both significant progress and areas of untapped potential:

• 12.5% (3 out of 24 countries) have tools in place to fully report on all 12 benchmarks.
• 46% (11 out of 24 countries) can report on at least 9 benchmarks (≥75%).

The most challenging are:

• Benchmark 2: Ensuring check X- rays are available for TB screening in all districts- currently only 7 countries are collecting and reporting data.
• Benchmark 12: Achieving a turnaround time of under 48 hours for WRD testing in labs, remains a struggle for many countries .

The survey underscores the urgent need for enhanced tools and updated processes. In response, ASLM and LabCoP have developed a strategic action plan to accelerate progress.

• Tool Development: Supporting countries in creating or updating tools to collect and report data seamlessly.
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating South-South collaborations to share lessons learned from pilot countries—Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa.
• Driving Adoption: Supporting countries in implementing WHO standards and conducting baseline assessments to monitor progress.

With a united effort, LabCoP countries are poised to close the gaps and ensure faster, more reliable TB diagnosis and treatment outcomes for all.