Mbabane, Eswatini | 28 March 2025 — Eswatini has taken a critical step towards strengthening its national laboratory quality systems by hosting a multi-sectoral training workshop on the Guidance for Establishing a National Laboratory Quality Framework (NLQF).

Held from 25–28 March 2025, the workshop convened by by the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), in collaboration with ICAP at Columbia University and the Regulatory and Quality Infrastructure Department of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade (MOCIT), with funding from the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)’s Fleming Fund through the EQuAFRICA Project.

The four-day training brought 40 participants representing wide range of sectors including MOCIT, the Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA), human and animal health, environmental health, the National Public Health Laboratory, the National Laboratory Professional Association, academia, regulatory bodies, the private sector, donor agencies, and implementing partners.

Opening workshop, Her Excellency Ms. Cebile Nhlabatsi, Under Secretary for MOCIT, highlighted the initiative as a milestone in Eswatini’s efforts to strengthen its national quality infrastructure. “This workshop offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of laboratory services in a way that benefits the nation, let us turn our boundaries into bridges,” she stated. She emphasized that the forthcoming National Laboratory Quality Policy and Strategic plan would be instrumental in ensuring accurate, credible, and reliable laboratory results, critical components for public health compliance with international standards.

Dr. Ruben Sahabo, Country Director of ICAP in Eswatini, commended the collaborative leadership of MOCIT and ASLM and expressed gratitude to the UK DHSC and the Fleming Fund for their technical and financial support. “Efforts must be intensified to build robust laboratory systems across all sectors,” he noted. “The Quality Policy and Strategic Plan will serve as a foundation to institutionalize quality management in national systems. Let this not be just another workshop, but a platform for real action.”

Representing ASLM, Mr. Teferi Mekonen emphasized the need for laboratories to align with international quality standards through the implementation of quality management systems (QMS). “Strong coordination, collaboration, and communication among stakeholders will be essential for developing and operationalizing a Laboratory Quality Policy and Strategic Plan that meets national and global needs,” he said.

Mr. Michael Mahlalela of MOCIT’s Regulation and Quality Infrastructure Department (RQID) used the opportunity to spotlight Eswatini’s recently launched National Regulatory and Quality Policy (2023), underscoring its synergy with the NLQF initiative.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in dynamic sessions covering NLQF guidance, ISO standards, SWOT-based situational analysis, stakeholder mapping, and operational planning using SMART objectives. Interactive group work fostered cross-sector collaboration and hands-on contributions toward the development of a comprehensive national laboratory quality policy and strategic plan.

The closing ceremony was officiated by His Excellency Ambassador Melusi Masuku, Principal Secretary of MOCIT, who commended the dedication and engagement of all participants.

“Let us translate these discussions into actionable steps that will bring about tangible improvements across sectors,” said Ambassador Masuku. “The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade will continue to champion this important initiative and ensure its integration into our national development agenda.”

Participants were awarded certificates of completion, symbolizing Eswatini’s readiness to implement a unified and sustainable laboratory quality framework that supports health, safety, and economic development.