Across Africa, ASLM Ambassadors are shaping the future of diagnostics through advocacy, innovation, and mentorship. From strengthening laboratory systems and climate resilience to mobilising young professionals and expanding professional networks, these voices reflect the people driving change on the ground.

Ronald Odero,

ASLM Ambassador, Kenya

Ronald Odero is a Kenyan laboratory and public health programme specialist with over 13 years of experience in infectious disease diagnostics, biosafety, biosecurity, and laboratory systems strengthening.

He currently serves as a Technical Advisor at AMREF Health Africa, supporting national tuberculosis, HIV, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diagnostic programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, CDC, the Global Fund, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

As an ASLM Brand Ambassador in Kenya, Ronald advocates for diagnostic equity, quality systems strengthening, and sustainable laboratory innovation. His professional interests include climate-resilient diagnostic systems, biosafety and waste-management frameworks, and regulatory strengthening. He has contributed to national diagnostic policies and biosafety systems and led practical innovations, including the development of a Smart Waste Bin to enhance frontline biosafety.

Through his  role, Ronald aims to address key challenges affecting laboratories in Kenya, including unreliable energy supply, climate-related temperature instability, infrastructure gaps, and weak environmental monitoring systems.

He promotes renewable energy solutions, IoT-based monitoring, improved laboratory design, and circular-economy approaches. He encourages ASLM members to contribute through research, innovation, advocacy, and mentorship, emphasizing the collective responsibility to strengthen Africa’s diagnostic future.

Karemu Sharon Gakii

ASLM Student Ambassador, Kenya

Karemu Sharon Gakii is a Medical Laboratory Scientist trained at Kenyatta University and serves as the ASLM Student Ambassador for Kenya. Her passion for diagnostics has been shaped by academic training, clinical exposure, and active engagement within professional laboratory communities.

Sharon joined ASLM to be part of a continental movement advancing quality diagnostics, strengthening laboratory systems, and empowering young professionals. Through ASLM, she has gained valuable mentorship, peer networks, and a deeper understanding of the role diagnostics play in resilient health systems.

She is particularly excited to lead LabPro Next Gen, a TikTok platform aimed at promoting diagnostics among young and aspiring laboratory professionals. Through engaging digital content, she hopes to increase visibility for laboratory medicine, spark curiosity, and inspire the next generation of diagnosticians.

Her message to aspiring ASLM Lab Pro students is simple: your voice matters. She encourages young professionals to stay curious, remain committed, and confidently lead and innovate within the field.

Emmanuel Adamolekun,

ASLM Ambassador, Nigeria

Emmanuel Adamolekun is a Medical Laboratory Scientist at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital in Ondo State, Nigeria. He is actively engaged in strengthening laboratory systems and professional networks and works closely with the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) and the Young Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Forum (YMLSF).

As an ASLM Ambassador, Emmanuel is committed to promoting ASLM’s mission among laboratory professionals and students across Nigeria.

His focus is on increasing awareness of ASLM’s value, expanding membership, and creating ways for young scientists to access continental opportunities and professional development.

Emmanuel works to address key challenges facing Nigeria’s laboratory sector, including infrastructure gaps, limited access to quality diagnostics, workforce shortages, and insufficient continuous professional development. Through advocacy, capacity-building activities, and strengthened collaboration between ASLM and local professional bodies, he supports efforts to improve diagnostic quality and patient care.

He has led impactful initiatives such as a membership outreach campaign at the YMLSF National Summit in Lokoja, engaging over 400 young scientists and students, and co-organised the LabPulse Series webinar in partnership with ASLM and YMLSF, which convened more than 100 participants to discuss the future of laboratory medicine.

Emmanuel encourages new and aspiring ASLM members to engage actively, embrace learning opportunities, and use their voices to champion excellence in laboratory medicine across Africa.