Laboratory professionals at forefront of Uganda's health emergencies

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OPINION

By Florence Nambaziira Muzaale                                       

In the face of addressing health challenges during disease outbreaks and natural disasters, the laboratory staff are at the spotlight in concert with other medical and social workers in managing the health crises.  

When a health emergency strikes, like in the past with Ebola, monkey pox, and occasionally, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV or even a new disease, Laboratory professionals are relied on for public and community protection, they are the ones who find out what is making people sick, how it is spreading and whether the treatment is working or not. Their work is very critical to saving lives and stopping outbreaks.

From the start of an outbreak, they quickly and accurately identify the disease using tests that range from simple tools to advanced machines. This helps doctors treat patients early enough to prevent the spread of the disease further.

Additionally, laboratory professionals help track how diseases move through the communities. They look for patterns, spot hotspots, and keep watch as diseases change or become resistant to treatment, example given is during COVID-19 pandemic, these professionals in Uganda played a key role in tracking new variants (types) and guiding the national response.

To ensure that their results are trustworthy, laboratory workers follow strict rules to keep the equipment and processes consistent and reliable. They also help develop new tests and treatments, especially for diseases we do not know much about. Because they handle dangerous germs, they are trained to protect themselves and their communities from getting infected.

Despite their importance, laboratory professionals in Uganda face serious challenges. Many laboratories lack proper equipment, supplies, or even basic infrastructure, according to a 2024 survey by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET). There aren’t enough trained workers either, especially in rural areas.

A scientific study about Uganda’s laboratory human resource in the era of global health initiatives in 2020 showed that only half of the laboratory jobs in general hospitals were filled, and just 28 percent in regional referral hospitals. On-going training are also not common, and transporting samples from far-off areas is often delayed due to limited budgets.

To better prepare for any future emergencies, Uganda must invest in laboratories by improving infrastructure and equipment, hiring and training more staff, and making sure supplies and samples move quickly and safely. Strengthening our laboratories means strengthening our national health security. When the next outbreak happens, it’s the laboratory professionals who will be on the frontlines, working to keep Ugandans safe

Bravo Laboratorians!

The writer is a laboratory leadership fellow with the Uganda Laboratory Leadership Program-These views expressed here are views of the author, not the institution