Empowering Africa’s Laboratory Backbone: The Urgent Need to Strengthen Medical Laboratory Associations.
- Nkengacha Marcellous Agendia
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the quality and resilience of diagnostic services are vital. To understand the current state of Medical Laboratory Associations (MLAs) across Africa, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), in collaboration with the Federation of Laboratory Professionals in Africa (FeLPA), conducted a continental survey between September 2024 and January 2025.
The goal? To assess the operational status, strengths, weaknesses, and future needs of MLAs—professional bodies that represent and support laboratory scientists and technicians across the continent. With responses from 12 countries and a 60% participation rate, the survey provides an important window into the realities and aspirations of Africa’s laboratory professionals. It not only exposes critical gaps but also offers recommendations for empowering these organizations to better serve public health.
Why MLAs Are Indispensable
MLAs serve as the collective voice of laboratory professionals. Their work spans capacity building, policy advocacy, professional development, and networking. These associations are essential in ensuring that African laboratories meet global standards—something that’s especially crucial during health crises, such as disease outbreaks, where diagnostics are frontline tools.
Key Findings from the Survey
Operational Status: Most MLAs are legally registered, some dating back to 1968. However, their ability to deliver consistently varies widely.
Membership Growth: While seven MLAs reported significant increases in membership, many still face challenges in engagement and recruitment.
Activities and Mandate: Training, conferences, and advocacy dominate MLA activities. Research and scientific publications remain underexplored.
Financial Health: The majority operate with annual revenues under $10,000, which significantly limits their impact and independence.
Top Priorities: Over the next five years, MLAs plan to focus on expanding membership, achieving financial stability, enhancing continuing professional development (CPD), and increasing their role in health policy.
Challenges and Strategic Recommendations
The survey doesn’t stop at diagnostics—it prescribes a pathway forward:
Boosting MembershipThrough targeted awareness campaigns, membership incentives, and policies that make affiliation a prerequisite for professional licensing.
Enhancing Financial SustainabilityWith innovative approaches such as employer-based auto-deductions, grant applications, private partnerships, and strategic investments.
Strengthening Leadership and GovernanceEmpowering associations through leadership training and clearer governance structures to improve accountability and performance.
Fostering CollaborationEstablishing regional forums to enable cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and collective action on common goals.
Driving Policy ChangeAdvocating for formal recognition of MLAs and embedding them into national health frameworks to elevate their influence and role.
Why It All Matters
This survey by ASLM and FeLPA is more than a report—it’s a call to action. Medical Laboratory Associations, though often overlooked, are critical to the success of Africa’s health systems. Their ability to organize, advocate, and elevate standards determines how well the continent can respond to health threats and provide quality care.
Strengthening MLAs isn’t just an administrative need—it’s a public health priority. The time to invest in them is now.
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