The leadership of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS), together with delegates from across the West African medical laboratory community, is in Lomé, Togo, for the maiden meeting of the Federation of West African Medical Laboratory Science Associations (FWAMLSA).

The meeting marks an important step toward strengthening professional collaboration and collective representation among medical laboratory science associations across the West African region.

The establishment of the Federation comes against the backdrop of broader continental efforts to strengthen medical laboratory science, professional networks and diagnostic capacity in Africa.

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), for example, identifies professional laboratory practice, science and networks as key components of its mission to improve health outcomes across Africa.

At the regional level, the initiative also aligns with the work of the West African Health Organization (WAHO) to strengthen laboratory systems and human resources for health. In March 2013, WAHO published a harmonized curriculum for the training of medical laboratory science professionals in the ECOWAS region, highlighting the importance of coordinated approaches to professional education and development.

WAHO has also collaborated with ASLM on strengthening laboratory quality management systems in West Africa, including training on ISO 15189:2022, risk assessment, laboratory auditing and leadership.

The Federation’s inaugural engagement is being held under the theme: “Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health in West Africa: Issues, Challenges and Prospects”

The theme reflects the growing recognition that strong laboratory services require not only equipment and infrastructure, but also a highly trained, empowered and professionally organised workforce.

The theme is particularly relevant as West African countries seek to strengthen diagnostic preparedness, quality systems, specialist training and professional development. The West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, for instance, continues to focus on training and certifying specialist medical laboratory scientists across the region.

Building a stronger professional network
A central objective of the Federation is to provide a platform through which medical laboratory science associations in West Africa can engage more effectively on issues affecting the profession.

The Federation is expected to facilitate collaboration in areas including:

1. professional education and continuous professional development;
2. specialist training and career pathways;
3. harmonisation of professional standards and practice;
4. laboratory quality and accreditation;
5. advocacy on laboratory policy;
6. research and knowledge exchange;
7. regional professional networking; and
8. strengthening the contribution of medical laboratory scientists to health systems.

The initiative also has implications for diagnostic services. Stronger professional networks can facilitate the sharing of expertise, experiences and innovations across countries, contributing to the broader goal of improving access to quality diagnostics. ASLM similarly emphasises strengthening laboratory and diagnostic services and networks across Africa.

The participation of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists in the maiden Federation meeting demonstrates Ghana’s engagement in efforts to build stronger regional structures for the medical laboratory profession.

For the West African medical laboratory fraternity, the formation of the Federation represents an opportunity to move beyond country-specific professional engagement towards greater regional cooperation, shared learning and coordinated advocacy.

As medical laboratory science continues to evolve through molecular diagnostics, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, quality management systems and emerging health threats, the Federation provides a platform for professionals across West Africa to collectively consider how the profession can respond to the changing demands of healthcare.

The maiden meeting in Lomé therefore represents more than an organisational gathering. It is a step towards building a more connected, empowered and resilient medical laboratory science profession in West Africa, with the ultimate objective of supporting better diagnostic services and improved health outcomes for the people of the region.