Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The World Health Organisation has strengthened its partnership with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria as part of efforts to boost human capacity in diagnostics and provide quality service to patients.
This collaboration was aimed at promoting the local production of quality In-Vitro Diagnostics and ensuring that medical laboratories provide accurate results using validated IVDs.
The partnership, which is part of the WHO’s efforts to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 9 and Sustainable Development Goal 3, led to the capacity building of MLSCN’s National IVD Laboratory staff.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that the staff underwent a week-long training program facilitated by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria and supported by the WHO.
The training programme, which was held at the MLSCN’s accredited IVD laboratory training center in Yaba, Lagos, focused on strengthening regulatory capacity through ISO certifications.
The training programme included lectures, case studies, and scenario-based applications and also equipped the MLSCN National IVD Laboratory staff with the necessary skills to perform audit roles in their regulatory mandate.
According to the laboratory Technical Officer of WHO, Jubril Kareem, the training is vital for improving disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in Nigeria.
Kareem added that WHO is increasing access to affordable and quality diagnostic tools in Nigeria by supporting local IVD manufacturing and importation.
He stressed that this was a critical step towards improving health outcomes and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Head of the Department of National IVD Laboratory, Paulinus Nnamdi, who represented the Registrar/CEO of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Prof. Tosan Erhabor, appreciated the support from WHO.
According to him, the training will go a long way to enhance the performance of the council in delivering the mandate to regulate the production, importation, sales, and stocking of diagnostic reagents, equipment, and chemicals.
He further maintained the WHO’s support will help in increasing access to affordable and quality in-vitro diagnostic products in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The training programme was facilitated by a team from SON, led by the Director, SON Training Services, Engr. Shehu Malik.
Other facilitators include Victor Odiaua, Oludunke Oluwafunmilayo, an associate professor from the University of Lagos, Dr. Francisca Nwaokorie, and the Chairman of the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, Lagos, Adekoya Julius.
The WHO’s support for the MLSCN is part of its efforts to strengthen health systems in Nigeria and improve access to quality healthcare services.
The global health body has been working closely with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to address the country’s health challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
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