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July 14, 2025

Sensitization Workshop: Accelerating Laboratory Quality Improvement in the Somali Region

Report on the Sensitization Workshop (June 25, 2025) for Somali Region hospital labs, focusing on SLIPTA quality improvement. Includes opening remarks, objectives, and hospital assessment findings.

Sensitization Workshop Report: Accelerating Laboratory Quality Improvement in the Somali Regional Public Health Laboratories

Advancing Diagnostic Excellence

Organized by: Somali State Regional Health Bureau

Date: June 25, 2025

Venue: SRHB meeting hall

Duration: One Day

Participants: Hospital Managers, Laboratory Heads, Quality Officers, Regional Health Officials

Facilitator: Somali Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Center

1. Opening Remarks by Deputy Bureau Head Mrs. Xaawo Suleebaan

Mrs. Xaawo Suleebaan, Deputy Head of Somali State Regional Health Bureau, delivering opening remarks.
Mrs. Xaawo Suleebaan, Deputy Head of Somali State Regional Health Bureau, delivering opening remarks.

Mrs. Xaawo Suleebaan, Deputy Head of the Somali State Regional Health Bureau, officially opened the workshop with a compelling message on the transformative power of laboratory quality. She emphasized that:

“Laboratory data management is not just a technical function—it is a public health responsibility. Our communities depend on reliable diagnostics, and it is our duty to ensure that every hospital laboratory in the Somali Region meets the standards of safety, accuracy, and accountability.”

She commended Jigjiga Primary Hospital and Karamara General Hospital for achieving Two-Star SLIPTA ratings, calling them “beacons of excellence” and encouraging other facilities to follow their lead. Mrs. Xaawo urged hospital leadership to take ownership of quality improvement, stressing that:

“Improving laboratory services is not optional—it is essential. It is the foundation of trust between our health system and the people we serve.”

Her remarks set a tone of urgency, collaboration, and pride, reinforcing the workshop’s purpose and inspiring participants to commit to measurable progress.

2. Welcome Speech by the Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Center Director

Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Center Director delivering welcome speech
The Director of the Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Center addressing workshop participants.

Following the Deputy Bureau Head's inspiring words, the Director of the Somali Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Center took the stage to extend a warm welcome and provide an overview of the workshop's significance. The Director highlighted the pivotal role of quality laboratory services in the region's health landscape:

"Welcome, esteemed colleagues and partners. This workshop represents a crucial step in our collective journey towards strengthening laboratory quality across the Somali Region. Our aim is not just to meet standards, but to exceed them, ensuring that every diagnostic test performed contributes reliably to patient care and public health decision-making. Your active participation and commitment are vital as we work together to build a robust and resilient laboratory system for our communities."

The Director's speech underscored the technical and strategic importance of the workshop, setting a collaborative tone for the day's activities.

3. Workshop Objectives

  • Raise awareness of SLIPTA standards and assessment outcomes
  • Celebrate achievements by high-performing facilities
  • Analyze gaps and challenges in laboratory quality systems
  • Clarify roles and responsibilities of hospital teams
  • Draft short-term action plans for quality improvement

4. Participating Facilities & SLIPTA Assessment Overview

Hospital SLIPTA Score Star Rating
Jigjiga Primary Hospital 73% ⭐⭐ Two Stars
Karamara General Hospital 67.5% ⭐⭐ Two Stars
Yusuf Abdullahi Primary Hospital 61.3% ⭐ One Star
Sitti General Hospital 59.7% ⭐ One Star
Kabridahar General Hospital 58.3% ⭐ One Star
Shinille Primary Hospital 50.1% ❌ No Stars
Fik Primary Hospital 47.4% ❌ No Stars

Individual Hospital Highlights:

Jigjiga Primary Hospital

Score: 73% (2 Stars ⭐⭐)

A leading facility, commended for its robust quality management system and high compliance across various Quality System Essentials (QSEs).

Jigjiga Primary Hospital CEO receiving 2-star rating
Jigjiga Primary Hospital CEO receiving the 2-star SLIPTA rating.

Karamara General Hospital

Score: 67.5% (2 Stars ⭐⭐)

Another high-performing institution, demonstrating strong commitment and excellent progress in its quality journey.

Karamara General Hospital CEO receiving 2-star rating
Karamara General Hospital CEO receiving the 2-star SLIPTA rating.

Yusuf Abdullahi Primary Hospital

Score: 61.3% (1 Star ⭐)

Shows foundational quality management systems in place, with good compliance in personnel and inventory management.

Sitti General Hospital

Score: 59.7% (1 Star ⭐)

Demonstrates foundational elements, particularly in documents, personnel, equipment, IQC, and EQA procedures.

Kabridahar General Hospital

Score: 58.3% (1 Star ⭐)

Has solid foundational procedures for personnel, equipment, and inventory control, with good initial documentation.

Shinille Primary Hospital

Score: 50.1% (No Stars ❌)

Requires significant foundational quality system interventions, particularly in organization, assessments, and information management.

Fik Primary Hospital

Score: 47.4% (No Stars ❌)

Identified with foundational gaps needing urgent attention, especially in leadership, process management, and facilities/safety.

Conclusion & Next Steps

This sensitization workshop served as a critical platform to align leadership and laboratory teams on the importance of laboratory quality and the path towards SLIPTA accreditation. The recognition of high-performing facilities provides a tangible benchmark, while the clear identification of gaps offers a roadmap for targeted interventions.

The Somali State Regional Health Bureau, in collaboration with the Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Center, will continue to provide support and monitoring to all facilities as they implement their action plans. This collective commitment is vital for strengthening the diagnostic backbone of the Somali Region and ultimately, improving public health outcomes.

© 2025 Somali State Regional Health Bureau. All rights reserved.

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