The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) has officially launched the Technical Assistance for Data and Evidence Use (TADE) project, an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the African continent. The project was inaugurated at a kick-off meeting held at ASLM’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking the beginning of a comprehensive effort to strengthen laboratory systems, enhance data utilization, and improve evidence-based policymaking in 14 African countries.

ASLM has been at the forefront of advancing laboratory medicine and diagnostics across Africa since 2011. Guided by the vision of “A Healthier Africa through Access to Quality Lab Services,” ASLM’s mission is to strengthen laboratory professions, practices, and networks across the continent. The TADE project is the latest in a series of initiatives that underscore ASLM’s commitment to improving health outcomes by empowering the African laboratory community and ensuring access to scalable, high-quality diagnostics.

During the kickoff meeting, Dr. Talkmore Maruta, Acting Director of Programs at ASLM, emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and financial prudence throughout the project’s implementation.

The TADE project builds on the success of the Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership (MAAP) Phase 1, which, for the first time, provided vital data on the magnitude of AMR across Africa. However, recognizing that data alone is insufficient, TADE focuses on ensuring that this data is effectively used by policymakers to develop regulations and guidelines that mitigate the impact of AMR. The project’s goal is to establish sustainable systems that will collect and produce data to inform health policies, ultimately reducing the burden of AMR across the continent.

ASLM will support participating countries through four key areas:

• Data Use for Policy: Enhancing the use of AMR data to inform policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Burden of Disease (BoD) Measurement: Establishing robust measures to quantify the burden of AMR in participating countries.
• Economic Case for AMR: Assisting countries in conducting economic analyses to assess the impact of AMR and guide resource allocation.

The TADE project will be implemented by a consortium that includes the University of Zambia School of Veterinary Medicine, the eSHIFT Partner Network, and consulting partner Mott MacDonald, with funding support from the UK Aid’s Fleming Fund. ASLM’s team, led by Dr. Watipaso Kasambara, will provide oversight and guidance throughout the project’s duration, ensuring that the objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Download the Policy brief here.