ASLM’s LabNet Leadership Group Assignment Strengthens Nigeria’s Laboratory Network

 In an endeavor to fortify Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, the LabCoP country team is gathering in Abuja from 8-10 May for the Laboratory Network Leadership (LabNetLead) group assignment. The primary goal is to evaluate Nigeria’s laboratory network using the LabNet Scorecard, thereby measuring progress in enhancing the laboratory network, disease detection, and surveillance.

Funded by the Clinton Health Access Initiative and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) under the LabCoP project, this initiative operates within the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). Representatives from diverse sectors of Nigeria’s healthcare system engaged in extensive discussions, focusing on analyzing data management processes associated with the LabMaP dataset, including storage, extraction, curation, integration, visualization, analysis, and updates.

The assignment also provided a platform to introduce various tools and methodologies for data processing and analysis, equipping participants with the necessary skills to leverage these resources for impactful improvements in public health laboratory services across Nigeria. Additionally, the exercise facilitated a comprehensive review and evaluation of national data sources for integration, thereby enriching the dataset’s scope.

 Upon completion of the assignment, participants will demonstrate proficiency in conducting a comprehensive assessment using the LabNet Scorecard, showcasing their capability in utilising the World Health Organization Laboratory Assessment Tool System (LAT), and gaining hands-on experience with LabMaP. This includes the analysis, visualisation, and presentation of results related to HIV viral load services coverage.