Strengthening TB laboratory Network in East Africa

Funders

KNCV - Royal Netherlands Tuberculosis Association

Background
Tuberculosis is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the world. Due to the overlapping epidemics of HIV and occurrence of tuberculosis is an increasingly devastating public health problem. Due to the increase in Tuberculosis, further more aggravated by spread of multi- resistance tuberculosis, accurate and timely laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis is essential for implementation of effective tuberculosis control programmes.

Improvement of the diagnostic laboratory quality is therefore a key issue that needs to be addressed urgently. However, quality improvement requires more than only improving the technical performance, such as quality control of specific laboratory tests; it also requires a supportive and enabling environment. Therefore, it is important that quality of laboratory services is looked at from a system approach, in which input, process and output requirements are important and determined by both technical and human factors. Furthermore, the different perspective of customers, providers and managers on quality should be taken into consideration. Such a comprehensive commitment to quality is essential to achieve the best possible service to patients and increases effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.

Objectives
The objectives of this part of the project are:
• To strengthen the National TB Reference Laboratory to provide quality ensured TB diagnostic services
• Laboratories staffed with well trained and competent personnel
• Quality management system in place and adherence to quality standardized procedures ensured
• Microscopy network system optimized including functioning external quality system

Activities
Specific activities include strengthening of the National TB Reference Laboratory through adequate staffing, training, purchase and installation of equipment as well as setting up standardized laboratory quality management systems. KIT activities are directed at establishing of quality management system that is in line with the international recognized ISO15189 accreditation standards.