ASLM Membership
In this edition of LabVoice, we’re proud to showcase three inspiring ASLM members: the ZAMLCS Association from Zimbabwe, Dr. Nourlil, a LabPro member from Morocco, and Mr. Niyikiza, a dedicated student member from Rwanda.
ZAMLCS: Driving Excellence in Medical Laboratory Science
Tell us about your association
The Zimbabwe Association of Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists (ZAMLCS), established in 2016, is the national professional body representing medical laboratory and clinical scientists in Zimbabwe. Formed to unify and strengthen the profession amid evolving training standards, ZAMLCS advocates for quality laboratory services, fair labour practices, and the inclusion of laboratory professionals in national health policy.
It promotes professional development, research, and innovation, while actively engaging in policy dialogue, collaboration with regulatory bodies, and partnerships across Africa and beyond to elevate the visibility and impact of the profession in safeguarding public health.
What is your association’s goal
A common goal of strengthening laboratory systems throughout Africa via cooperation, innovation, and capacity building led to the decision to join the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). ASLM offers a continental platform that fosters knowledge sharing, links laboratory professionals, and promotes quality enhancement. By being a member of this active community, ZAMLCS can learn from colleagues throughout the continent and showcase Zimbabwe’s contributions to laboratory medicine.
Why did you choose to join ASLM?
Access to mentorship opportunities, technical resources, peer learning and a stronger voice in local health discussions are all benefits of ASLM membership.
It is a significant step for ZAMLCS and a concrete value proposition to our members and prospective members in our quest for sustainable laboratory services that meet international standards.
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Tell us about yourself
My name is Ezebe NIYIKIZA from Rwanda, East Africa. I am a 23-year-old male studying Medical Laboratory Sciences at Mount Kigali University, Rwanda.
My passion for this field stems from a childhood experience when I suffered severe abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, and weakness. I stopped school because of that condition. A doctor suspected parasitic infections but was not sure which one was that and referred me for laboratory tests. After providing stool and blood samples, the tests revealed amoebic infection, leading to effective treatment and my quick recovery. This experience motivated me to pursue science courses in secondary school and eventually specialize in medical laboratory sciences at the university level to help diagnose diseases and alleviate people’s suffering.
What inspired you to pursue laboratory medicine?
The work of lab scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 inspired me further. My aspiration is not only to be a medical laboratory professional but also to be a key voice in Rwanda’s health sector, particularly in laboratory medicine.
And what are your goals?
I aim to become a molecular biologist and Microbiologist, and I am committed to acquiring all the necessary skills to achieve my goals by the time I afford required means.
Why did you choose to join ASLM?
I decided to join ASLM after a great conversation with a membership manager, Alessandra Piani. She explained ASLM’s mission, which focuses on improving clinical and public health outcomes in Africa through enhancing better professional laboratory practices, sciences and networks. It means a lot to me to be a member of or in a family of ASLM.Thank you very much!
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Tell us about yourself
My name is Dr. Jalal Nourlil, a medical virologist from Morocco, serving as the Head of the Medical Virology and BSL- 3+ Laboratory at the Institut Pasteur du Maroc in Casablanca. With over 20 years of experience, I lead efforts in identifying and genotyping human viral diseases, including respiratory viruses, hemorrhagic fever viruses, and emerging pathogens.
What inspired you to pursue laboratory medicine?
My passion for laboratory medicine stemmed from understanding how viruses impact human health and the critical role diagnostic laboratories play in disease prevention. My interest intensified during health crises when I established the National Laboratory for Emerging and Dangerous Pathogens following the H1N1pdm outbreak in 2009, the MERS- CoV outbreak in 2012, and during the Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19 pandemics.
These experiences reinforced my belief that robust laboratory systems are the backbone of effective public health responses.
What are your goals?
My goals center on advancing laboratory medicine capabilities across Africa through innovative diagnostic approaches and capacity building. I aim to strengthen collaborative networks that enhance surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases while mentoring the next generation of laboratory professionals. Through my research, including over 30 publications and viral genomic surveillance work, I strive to contribute evidence-based solutions to Africa’s health challenges.
Why did you choose to join ASLM?
Being part of ASLM means contributing to a shared vision where every African has access to quality laboratory services while learning from peers across the continent. The network’s commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with my dedication to advancing laboratory medicine as a cornerstone of African healthcare.