Laboratory Capacity Building in Africa Tsehaynesh Messele, PhD CEO, ASLM

 Low priority and recognition in most national health delivery systems  Poor infrastructure, inadequate equipment and supplies, absence /weak quality assurance, shortage of trained personnel  Delayed or in appropriate response to epidemics, disease control and patient management  In general laboratory dependent programs are challenged Challenges of Labs in Africa

Critical problems? Weak National laboratory system workforce Poor laboratory service Poor Quality Assurance Poor communication Bad working Environment Limited External Quality Assessment (EQA) Lack of National laboratory policy Lack Accreditation for laboratory system Poor communication channel Lack of networking Poor attention to Lab system lack of incentive package attrition Lack of training in adequate Lab Facility Poor referral linkage Inefficient service delivery system Shortage of laboratory supplies Lack of integration &uniformity Lack of accountability and responsibility

The Ethiopian experience…../ EHNRI in collaboration with all stakeholders developed the first five year national laboratory master plan in December Strategic objectives to address the major gaps in laboratories at different levels. The plan was revised in 2009 to encompass 17 comprehensive strategies aimed at developing a sustainable system that delivers quality and accessible laboratory services for integrated diseases

Objectives of the Master Plan Describe principles and procedures through which the National Laboratory System will develop capacity to meet the needs of the nation Describe specific strategies and plans for the development and implementation of laboratory services nationwide Serve as national operational guidelines for:  public health and clinical laboratories  health programs which rely on the national laboratory system for support  donor organizations looking to fill resource gaps

Strategic objective 7: Strategies Build EHNRI’s technical capacity for training Identify, prioritize and standardize in-service trainings Support regional in-service trainings Collaborate in strengthening pre-service training programs Strengthen M&E for training programs ASCP supported implementation of the training strategies To expand and strengthen standardized training programs for laboratory personnel

TOT on Chemistry, Hematology and CD4 was given to >500 lab professionals with support from ASCP The TOTs have been conducted in order to support the regional roll-out of training programs –Regional training teams were formed –Regional roll-out done Was critical for successful expansion of the HIV care and treatment program Technical assistance to support the development of SOPs Training of two senior professionals abroad on quality laboratory improvement Training and Other supports

Hematology CD4 Common Modules CD4 Chemistry 4321 Common Modules Hematology Path 2 Trainings rolled-out in a cycle of 2 rounds Trainees attended both trainings in order to complete all tracks. – The students only needed to attend the Common Modules once In one training cycle, Chemistry and Hematology trainers will commit 7 days to teaching – 1 day to teach the Common Modules – 3 days to teach their module in the first round – 3 days to teach their module in the second round In one training cycle, CD4 trainers will commit 4 days of teaching – 4 days to teach their module twice Regional Roll-Out Format Path 1 Days

Thank you |