From February 4 to 6, 2025, a multisectoral committee, designated by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with ASLM assessors, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Guinea’s laboratory network and systems. This assessment aimed to determine the country’s capacity to respond to infectious disease threats, aligning with the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), using the One Health approach.

The committee comprised representatives from key institutions, including: the Directorate of Laboratory Services, the National Health Security Agency, Reference laboratories, National programs for HIV, TB, and Malaria, the environmental sector (Laboratoire d’Analyses Environnementales), the National Institute of Public Health, training institutions and some technical and financial partners, (WHO, BIOMÉRIEUX Foundation, RESOALAB, and HEQSS).

Objectives of the Assessment were to evaluate the current state of Guinea’s laboratory network, identify key strengths and weaknesses, and develop evidence-based recommendations to improve the network’s performance

The assessment was officially opened by Dr. Pepe Bilivogui, Director of Cabinet and Minister’s Adviser, representing the Minister of Health. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the significance of this initiative, highlighting that the evaluation would serve as a midterm review to measure Guinea’s progress in addressing gaps identified during the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) conducted from May 22–26, 2023.

The assessment was evidence-based, involving a thorough review of documentation provided by the country and a consensus-driven approach to determine maturity levels for each evaluation question.

The LabNet Scorecard assessment for Guinea highlighted notable strengths at both macro and micro levels. At the macro level, high-performing capabilities included priority disease testing, network coverage, rapid response, and laboratory information management. At the micro level, the country demonstrated strong performance in the following components, governance, surveillance/epidemiology, priority disease testing, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The assessment also identified specific areas requiring improvement, for which targeted interventions have been prioritized. These interventions will be implemented in the coming years to address existing gaps ahead of the next assessment cycle in 2–3.

One of the key challenges faced during the assessment was a stop-work order from an American-funded project, which limited the participation of some critical implementing partners. 

This assessment marks a significant step forward in strengthening Guinea’s laboratory network and systems, ensuring the country is better prepared to respond to infectious disease threats and meet global health security standards. Stay tuned for further updates as Guinea continues its journey toward a stronger, more responsive laboratory network.