ASLM Launches Framework to Safeguard Essential Diagnostic Services Amid Reduced Funding
ASLM has introduced the Minimum Package of Laboratory Care Framework, a structured and evidence-based tool designed to help countries prioritize and sustain critical diagnostic services in the face of declining health sector funding. This framework empowers laboratory leaders, policymakers, and partners to identify and protect essential tests and capacities vital to public health, while optimizing limited resources through integration, standardization, and strategic investment.
The minimum package is based on insights gathered during the Laboratory Directors Forum (LabDF) survey and identifies four priorities to ensure continuation of laboratory services:
- Procurement of tests for priority diseases guided by the National Essential Diagnostic List (NEDL)
- Basic equipment maintenance services
- Core staff training and retention
- Quality control and assurance measures
Read and download in English, French, and Portuguese here.
Looking Ahead
2025 Annual LabCoP Meeting
Preparations for the 8th LabCoP Annual Meeting, to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya, from 22–24 October 2025, are well underway. Themed “Strengthening Laboratory Systems and Networks: Sustaining Laboratory Gains in Challenging Times,” this year’s gathering will bring together laboratory leaders, policymakers, implementing partners, and donors to reflect on progress, share innovations, and co-create strategies for resilient diagnostic systems in Africa.
Through a series of interactive plenaries and breakout sessions, participants will explore how to maintain essential diagnostic services amidst reduced funding, with key discussions focusing on the minimum package of laboratory care, sustaining HIV and TB services, and developing country-led approaches for service continuity. The meeting will also examine pathways toward universal access to rapid TB diagnostics, leveraging new investments and policy advances to close coverage gaps.
In addition, stakeholders will deliberate on building resilient laboratory systems, scaling up best practices, and aligning national priorities.
Upcoming ECHO sessions
Some exciting ECHO sessions are scheduled in the coming weeks. Topics will range from sustainable GIS mapping, sustaining laboratory services delivery in the face of funding uncertainty and other experience and information sharing areas. These sessions provide opportunities to explore practical solutions and share experiences from across the continent. If you missed earlier webinars, you can catch up in the LabCoP ECHO archive here.