In Nigeria Health Watch Iruka N Okeke reflects on the First ASLM International Conference:
On accreditation:So much has changed in the last decade and as one who as argued throughout this time for strengthening laboratory medicine in Africa, the meeting afforded a truly delightful opportunity to see how laboratory medicine has blossomed over the continent in the last decade. In addition to the better-known developments in point-of-care testing for malaria and laboratory capacity building for HIV diagnosis and monitoring, it was heartening to see considerable progress in the diagnosis of other common diseases, in diagnostic test development, and a much-needed rise in morale among laboratory scientists.
Over 30 clinicial labs received awards for achieving international accreditation within the last two years. Most of these were South African labs (South Africa has more accredited labs than the rest of the continent combined) but awards did go to labs in Botswana (4), Kenya (2) and Mali (1). There were also six Best Practice Lab Awards, which went to labs in Burkina Faso, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and Uganda. Wondering about Nigeria’s clinical laboratories? So was I and it was admittedly a relief to hear that one almost-but-not-quite accredited Nigerian lab did receive an honorable mention in the Accreditation award category.But maybe most importantly, this question:
Why does our excellence reflect so strongly in individual honors and much less so in collective ones? This was the thought that kept running through my mind as I left the auditorium after what should have been the most uplifting and light-hearted session. In later discussions with my Nigerian colleagues in attendance, this question was resounded. I am very proud of our honorees, and of the impact we were able to make at the conference. However, it is not enough for any or all of us to be great individually or even collectively. Our country and its institutions must be greatened too.More here