Phoebe Nzombe, Education Manager, ASLM
The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is excited to launch Cohort 2 of its flagship Internship Program, running from January to December 2026. Building on the success and lessons learned from the inaugural cohort, the program is expanding its reach, disciplines, and impact across the continent.
From Classroom to Career – Cohort 1’s Transformative Journey In its first year, the program welcomed seven medical laboratory science graduates from Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Each intern was embedded in a local host institution while contributing to ASLM’s regional projects, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory operations, AMR coordination, quality assurance, and digital learning.
“I thought I’d just be exploring online health courses,” shared Surprise Kyalo from Kenya. “Instead, I gained real skills in AMR data, course creation, and personal growth. It was one of the most enriching professional opportunities I’ve had.”
From preparing proficiency testing samples in Zimbabwe to supporting veterinary sample collection in Zambia and engaging with national AMR initiatives in Malawi, interns made meaningful contributions to public health systems in their countries.
Championing Women in Science
To mark the International Day of Girls and Women in Science, ASLM spotlighted female interns Kapesa Lumayi (Zambia) and Gladys Gwazanga (Malawi) through a podcast, sharing their stories and inspiring young African women to pursue careers in science. However, ASLM noted that only 2 of 7 interns were women in the first cohort. In response, Cohort 2 will adopt affirmative action principles aligned with CEDAW, ensuring greater gender equity in the selection process.
What’s New in Cohort 2?
- Expanded Disciplines – In recognition of the multidisciplinary nature of health systems, the 2026 cohort will now include graduates from fields such as nursing, biomedical sciences, biostatistics, HR, journalism, communications, M&E, accounting, business, and social sciences.
- Wider Continental Reach – While the first cohort was limited to seven countries, ASLM is working to include more African nations in Cohort 2, fulfilling its Pan-African mandate.
- Stronger Industry Links – Interns will benefit from increased industry exposure, working alongside private sector partners to gain insights into innovation, implementation, and career pathways.
- Improved Host Engagemen – Following delays in cohort 1 placements, ASLM will initiate early engagement with host institutions and build in contingency plans to ensure smoother onboarding and mentorship.
A Platform for Africa’s Future Health Leaders
ASLM’s Internship Program continues to shape the next generation of professionals ready to strengthen Africa’s health systems.
With a renewed commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration, Cohort 2 promises to be bigger, broader, and bolder.