Medical laboratory scientists from across West Africa are meeting in Lomé, Togo, to discuss epidemic preparedness and public health challenges.
The Federation of West African Medical Laboratory Science opened its first conference on Wednesday as concerns over Ebola and other epidemics continue to highlight gaps in Africa’s health systems.
The three-day conference is bringing together medical biologists under the theme, “Medical Biologists and Public Health in West Africa: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects.”
Participants are examining the challenges posed by epidemics and sharing lessons from previous outbreaks across the continent.
Dr Arthur Garber, president of the Sierra Leone Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, highlighted the role of laboratory professionals during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.
He said the country could have suffered far more deaths without the contribution of medical laboratory scientists. Garber also pointed to significant gaps in diagnostic capacity during the outbreak. He said the country lacked adequate diagnostic resources and sufficient engagement of laboratory professionals.
The conference is expected to produce recommendations for governments across West Africa. Participants are also calling on African leaders to make epidemic prevention a priority. The discussions come as health authorities across Africa continue to confront infectious disease threats and the need for stronger systems to detect and respond to outbreaks.
The conference provides a platform for medical laboratory experts to examine how improved diagnostics and professional capacity can contribute to public health preparedness.
