ASLM

Last week, ASLM Ambassador Ms. Susan Kiambi participated as a judge for the scientific paper presentations at the 2nd Kenya Medical Laboratory Students Association (KeMeLSA) event. During the event, she also delivered a presentation on Maabara Online, ASLM’s associate member, and highlighted ASLM, with a focus on the LabPro membership programme. Her engagement reflects ASLM’s continued commitment to supporting the next generation of laboratory professionals and strengthening capacity within the laboratory workforce.

🧬 Call for Applications: Training in Metagenomic Virus Discovery The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (@ceri_news) is offering a five-day intensive training programme designed to equip researchers with advanced skills in metagenomic virus discovery. This hands-on workshop, led by global experts, will cover: Project planning and experimental design Development of metagenomic analysis pipelines Downstream analysis, including phylogenetics and structural analysis Interpretation and presentation of results in virus evolution and genomic epidemiology 👩‍🔬 Who should apply? This opportunity is ideal for postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists with foundational knowledge in virology and bioinformatics 💡 Funding & Support With support from the @RockefellerFdn, full funding is available for selected Africa-based researchers, covering airfare, accommodation, and registration. 📅 Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 Learn more and apply at mvdworkshop.com This training presents a unique opportunity to strengthen capacity in virus discovery and genomic epidemiology across Africa. #Metagenomics #VirusDiscovery #Bioinformatics #CapacityBuilding #GlobalHealth #AfricaResearch

Don't miss the #LabCoP Waste Management SubCoP ECHO Session on 24 March! In this session, we explore the types of materials used in diagnostic tests, quantities of plastic waste generated from some lateral flow assays, current approaches and tools used in quantifying plastic waste, and the implications of diagnostic waste data for laboratories, policymakers, and engineers. Register at conta.cc/3NWk4Fv

Since 2015, the #FlemingFund has supported LMICs across Africa & Asia by combining country-level support with multi‑country technical assistance to build sustainable #AMR surveillance systems. 🔖 A new report shares key lessons & how to sustain progress. flemingfund.org/publications/m…

In the latest edition of the #LabCoP Connect newsletter, learn how African Countries are using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to strengthen Laboratory systems. Read more at aslm.org/mapping-diagno…

As we wrap up the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, this reflection from our CEO, @MrNqobileNdlovu, captures the lasting impact of this partnership. Through strengthened laboratories, expanded genomic sequencing, and empowered national teams led by @AfricaCDC in partnership with @MastercardFdn, Africa is better prepared for the public health challenges of today and tomorrow. #AfricaDetects #StrongerLabsStrongerAfrica

Across 46 Member States, laboratories are now equipped, connected, and ready. ✔️ Sequencing platforms ✔️ Data infrastructure ✔️ Biobanking systems Built for today. Sustained for tomorrow. #AfricaDetects #StrongerLabsStrongerAfrica @AfricaCDC, @MastercardFdn

Read ASLM’s latest issue of the #LabCoP Connect Newsletter! This issue highlights how African countries are leveraging GIS-based laboratory mapping to strengthen diagnostic networks, with success stories from Mozambique, Cameroon, and Zambia. It also covers key insights from recent LabCoP ECHO sessions, including advancements in TB diagnostics, funding sustainability discussions, and the launch of the GIS mapping framework. Additionally, the edition explores progress in building workforce capacity for advanced HIV disease diagnostics across 11 countries, innovations like sputum pooling to optimize TB testing, and expert perspectives on improving decentralized CD4 testing and more. Read more: conta.cc/41dbVPV

From 16–20 March, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is hosting a regional training bringing together 57 experts from 10 African countries to advance biosafety and biosecurity systems. The three (3) specialized training programs covers: 🔬 Advanced Biorisk Management – Level 1 🧪 Biorisk Management – Level 1 ♻️ Biological Waste Management – Level 1 Participants are gaining practical skills in safe laboratory practices, risk mitigation, and bio-waste management, while fostering regional collaboration and knowledge exchange. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director of the National Public Health Laboratory, which is the Regional Centre of Excellence for Biosafety and Biosecurity (RCoEBB), Mr. Athuman Masesa, Human Resource Manager, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening laboratory systems, while Idosie Kenfake, Biosafety and Biosecurity Technical Officer at Africa CDC, called for collective action toward a safer Africa. With support from @AfricaCDC and partners, including the governments of the UK and Canada through the Simba Initiative, this program continues to build a resilient, skilled workforce to safeguard public health across the continent. 📖 Read more: aslm.org/dar-es-salaam-… @CanadaFP, @CDCgov, @UKHSA, @WorldBankGroup #ASLM #Biosafety #Biosecurity #GlobalHealth #AfricaCDC #HealthSecurity #LaboratorySystems

We are proud to feature two outstanding ASLM Ambassadors: Dr. Mathias Dzobo, Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist, National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, and Ms. Agnes Juru, Coordinator, National Microbiology Reference Laboratory. They recently represented ASLM and delivered a presentation at the ZAMLSS Annual Inter-professional Symposium 2026, held on 14 March 2026 at the University of Zimbabwe, Harare. The event, organized by the Zimbabwe Association of Medical Laboratory Science Students (ZAMLSS), brought together future and current laboratory professionals, providing a valuable platform to share ASLM’s mission and opportunities with the next generation. We appreciate their continued commitment to expanding ASLM’s network and inspiring the laboratory community.

From investment to impact. 32965 genomes generated from 19 countries. 23 African member states were strengthened with bioinformatics infrastructure. 12 biobanks upgraded capacities across 11 African Member States. 129 professionals trained across 43 African Member States. Africa’s health security is stronger today than yesterday. #AfricaDetects #StrongerLabsStrongerAfrica

The @WHO has launched its first-ever implementation handbook to support countries in accelerating progress toward hepatitis B and C elimination by 2030. This comprehensive resource consolidates over a decade of @WHO’s evidence-based recommendations into a single, practical guide for policymakers, programme managers, clinicians, and partners. 🌍 The urgency is clear: 254 million people are living with hepatitis B 50 million with hepatitis C 1.3 million deaths annually 📘 The handbook provides actionable guidance on: • Prevention, including mother-to-child transmission interventions • Expanded and simplified testing strategies • Scalable treatment approaches across all levels of care • Integration into primary health care and UHC platforms • Strengthened monitoring, data systems, and accountability By translating global guidance into implementable actions, this handbook is a critical tool to support equitable, integrated, and person-centred hepatitis services. Learn more and download the guidance handbook at who.int/news/item/10-0… #GlobalHealth #HepatitisElimination #PublicHealth #HealthSystems #WHO #UniversalHealthCoverage #Diagnostics

Africa is no longer waiting for answers. 32,965 genomes generated. 46 countries strengthened. This is what continental preparedness looks like. Africa Detects. Africa Decides. In partnership with @AfricaCDC and @MastercardFdn #AfricaDetects #StrongerLabsStrongerAfrica

Exclusive for ASLM LabPro Members LabPro members have access to exclusive videos, articles, and professional resources. One of the featured resources is the video “Leadership and Career Pathways in Laboratory Medicine". This session brings together experienced professionals and emerging leaders in the field: • Dr. Cara Mia Dunaiski, Senior Research Scientist at the Namibia Institute of Pathology • Mr. Emmanuel Adamolekun, Program Director at the Young Medical Laboratory Scientists Forum of Nigeria • Ms. Mainaa Hadiza, Founder of Smart Lab Consulting, Cameroon • Mr. Peter Zimba, President of the Mukuba University Biomedical Sciences Student Association (MUK-BIOMEDSSA), Zambia This video and many other resources are available exclusively to ASLM LabPro members. To watch this and access the full library of resources, upgrade to LabPro through your profile or sign up today at aslm.org/membership