Thursday September 12, 2024
Laboratory technicians conduct diagnostic tests at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in Mogadishu, Somalia. The facility plays a crucial role in the country's public health efforts, enhancing disease surveillance and response capabilities. (UN Photo/Steven Candia)
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia has introduced its first-ever national laboratory strategic plan to enhance its public health system by improving disease diagnostics and health crisis response. Developed in partnership with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the plan addresses critical gaps in the country's health infrastructure, which has long been weakened by decades of conflict.
The plan, finalized during meetings in Nairobi from August 5-9, 2024, outlines priorities for upgrading laboratory infrastructure, improving the training of health personnel, and ensuring a steady supply of essential medical materials. The end goal is to boost Somalia's ability to respond to health emergencies, particularly infectious disease outbreaks.
"Laboratories play a vital role in the health sector, serving as the backbone for disease diagnosis, surveillance, and outbreak response," said Donewell Bangure, Principal Technical Officer at Africa CDC. "This is particularly critical for Somalia, a country that has faced numerous health challenges over the years due to limited resources and fragile health systems."
The strategy also ensures Somalia's lab services meet global health standards, such as the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), helping the country improve its ability to detect and control public health threats. The plan fits within Africa CDC's larger efforts to strengthen public health systems across the continent.
Dr. Mohamed Abdullahi Abdulle, Director of the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in Somalia, stressed the importance of the collaboration, stating, "The laboratory strategy plan will go a long way in strengthening laboratory services in Somalia, which is a critical need for the country."
Decades of conflict have left Somalia's health infrastructure severely weakened, making the establishment of a national lab strategy essential. Experts from several African countries, including Tanzania, Nigeria, Zambia, and Malawi, contributed to the plan's development, providing expertise and helping identify potential funding sources.
Dr. Lucy Mazyanga, Director of Africa CDC's East Africa Regional Coordinating Centre, described the completion of the plan as "a milestone in Somalia's path to building a resilient public health system."
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