Dr. Talkmore Maruta, Ag. Director of Programs, took the stage at the 2024 Medlab East Congress, emphasizing the pivotal role of leadership in shaping the future of laboratory professionals in Africa. ASLM is committed to ensuring the development of leadership skills in a conducive environment for labs to support public health.
Dr. Maruta highlighted ASLM’s decisive steps to place laboratory leadership and capacity building at the forefront of Africa’s public health agenda. Stressing the importance of leadership in enhancing laboratory medicine and diagnostic standards, he outlined key interventions:
1️. Education and Training: ASLM prioritizes regional education, training, and knowledge sharing through programs like diagnostic optimization and diagnostic network integrations. This ensures effective leadership and management in laboratories and diagnostics.
2️. Dual Leadership Perspective: Advocating for lab leaders and technical experts at both policy and technical levels, ASLM amplifies their voices, securing budgets and human capital for optimal lab operations.
3️. Leadership Fellowship: Collaborating with Africa CDC and AU, ASLM contributed to development of a laboratory leadership fellowship, complete with a competency framework.
While progress is being made, Dr. Maruta acknowledged challenges, noting the absence of laboratory representation in leadership in some countries. To address this, initiatives like the Lab Director Forum and the Regional Association for Laboratory Professionals aim to elevate the voice of lab professionals, influencing decisions, resources, and policies.
ASLM, through the ASLM Academy, continues its commitment to top-notch training courses like as Laboratory Network Leadership . This capacity-building initiative ensures effective lab services by enhancing skills and securing recognition beyond the continent.
The journey has begun, with 17 MOUs signed with regional labs as members of the regional association for lab professionals. Ongoing advocacy and networking aim to expand this platform, aligning with ASLM’s dedication to nurturing and supporting laboratory leadership and professionals.
For LabNet Course: https://aslm.org/what-we-do/labcop/labnetlead/
For ASLM Academy: https://aslm.org/aslm-academy/ 