African Society for Laboratory Medicine Hosts Convention on Transformative Advances in African Diagnostic Systems

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) will host the inaugural ASLM Diagnostics Convention 2024.
The event that holds from November 4-7 in Abidjan will bring together over 300 health leaders, policymakers, laboratory professionals, researchers, civil society and industry partners to address critical challenges and innovations in diagnostics across Africa.
The theme of the event is “Transforming Diagnostic Systems in Africa: Harnessing Innovation and Quality Assurance to Elevate Equity and Excellence.”
The ASLM Diagnostics Convention aims to chart a transformative path forward in the light of rising demand for robust diagnostic networks in response to global health emergencies, infectious disease outbreaks, and escalating healthcare needs.
It will align collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive efforts to align African diagnostics with global health priorities, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The Convention is supported by leading global health organizations and private sector partners, demonstrating a shared commitment to bridging the diagnostic divide and ensuring that all populations have access to essential diagnostic services.
Key topics for discussion will include ways to improve the efficiency and reach of diagnostic services across Africa, expanding access to these services so more people can benefit from accurate and timely testing.
Participants will also explore new technologies that make testing faster and easier to use and discuss how to build reliable systems to support these services in the long run.
There will be sessions on using advanced tools like pathogen genomics and bioinformatics, which can help track and manage diseases effectively, contributing to better health security across the continent.
A dedicated Ministers’ Panel will convene senior government officials to share national strategies for reinforcing diagnostic capacity and advancing health equity through political leadership. In addition, at the convention, world health champions will be recognized for their role in strongly advocating and championing for laboratory services and diagnostics in Africa.
“Diagnostics are essential to the future of Africa’s healthcare systems. By investing in resilient, quality-assured laboratory networks, we’re enabling our countries to better respond to health threats,” said Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Uganda, Hon. Dr. Diana Atwine.
The Minister of Health, Côte d’Ivoire, Hon. Pierre Dimba, said the vision is to ensure that diagnostics are available to everyone, at every level of the health system, adding the convention is a crucial step toward the goal of bringing innovation and sustainability to the forefront.
The CEO of ASLM, Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, noted that by bringing together the region’s policymakers, laboratory experts, civil society and development partners, the convention aims to forge sustainable strategies that will enable diagnostics to serve as a cornerstone of resilient health systems in Africa.
Expected outcomes from the convention include how laboratory services can be appropriately recognized and participate in national planning, a roadmap for scaling diagnostics aligned with international health standards, enhanced cross-sector partnerships, policy recommendations, and actionable insights into sustainable diagnostic solutions for African health systems.