ASLM is developing a minimum package of laboratory care framework that provides a structured and evidence-based approach to prioritize and sustain critical diagnostic services in the face of reduced funding. It will enable laboratory leaders, policymakers, and partners to identify and protect essential tests and capacities that are vital to public health, while optimizing the use of limited resources through integration, standardization, and strategic investment. This framework will also support informed decision-making, enhance system resilience, and ensure continuity of care—particularly for high-burden and epidemic-prone diseases—thus safeguarding health outcomes even in resource-constrained environments.
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
National programs are currently reprioritising activities in line with Global Fund GC7 Programmatic Reprioritization Approach as well as UNAIDS and IAS HIV sustainability guidance. National laboratory leadership (e.g. Directorate of Laboratory services) should be actively involved in these planning and discussion processes to ensure alignment of programmatic and laboratory-specific priorities. This will guide the laboratory leaders to make informed decisions to implement sustainable and cost-effective laboratory networks and services. Stay tuned for the upcoming release of the minimum package for laboratory services!
Looking Ahead
2025 Annual LabCoP Meeting
Preparations for the 2025 LabCoP Annual Meeting which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 22 to 24th October 2025 are well underway. This year’s gathering will offer a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation sharing, and peer-to-peer learning. In the lead-up to the event, country teams will conduct self-assessments to guide discussions and highlight progress made in laboratory systems strengthening. Updates on the meeting’s venue, and agenda will be shared shortly. Stay tuned for details!
Upcoming ECHO sessions
Some exciting ECHO sessions are scheduled in the coming weeks. Topics will range from country-level innovations aimed at averting the impact of funding cuts, to the integration HIV/TB diagnostic monitoring, and new approaches in tuberculosis diagnostics. 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.