From 6-9 August 2024, the Sfrican Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) in collaboration with Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Burundi Ministry of Health, conducted a geographic information system (GIS) Laboratory Mapping Program (LabMaP) data validation and utilisation workshop in Ngozi, Burundi. LabMaP is a flagship program of ASLM and Africa CDC and aims to establish a system for the collection, storage and analysis of GIS-linked data on laboratory capacity, systems and networks in Africa. LabMaP provides a solution to countries that are ready to inventory geo-located information on their laboratory systems, in support of evidence-based decision making. The training aligns with the LabMaP objective of promoting the use of GIS laboratory mapping data to improve laboratory programs and services.
With funding from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH), eleven participants from Burundi’s Ministry of Health were able to analyse data, identify system’s capacity gaps against the current laboratory strategic plan 2021-2025 standards and targets.
Dr. Nonera Jean Marie, Directeur des Laboratoires de Biologie Médicale, Ministry of Public Health, welcomed the participants and the ASLM facilitators. He noted that, “this workshop is continuation of the data collection that happened in June 2024. This will not only help us generate critical intelligence on where we are with our current 2022-2025 Laboratory Strategic Plan, but also accelerate the achievement of the targets and reshape the next laboratory strategic plan in an effort to achieve universal health coverage goals.”
Mr. Célestin Nibogora, Senior Scientist, National Reference Laboratory of the National Institute of Public Health, added that, “this has enabled us know where our private, veterinary and clinical laboratories are, the tests they offer, type of equipment, calibrations, accreditation status, biosafety levels and cabinets being used, which is critical for disease outbreak preparedness and response in Burundi and continent.”
To date, ASLM has overseen the mapping of 27 countries and over 4,600 laboratories across the continent, in an effort to generate laboratory network intelligence that informs diagnostics network optimization. ASLM is committed to helping countries across Africa build resilient and responsive laboratory networks, to combat public health threats and deliver equitable access to quality diagnostic services.