Discover how the Somali Regional Public Health Lab's Quality Case Team is enhancing diagnostics through EQA expansion and capacity building for TB and Malaria
A Key Pillar of Quality: The Somali Regional Lab's Journey to Enhanced Diagnostics
Jijiga, Somali, Ethiopia
In a region where timely and accurate diagnostic services are paramount to public health, the Somali Regional Public Health Laboratory & Research Directorate has emerged as a true leader. At the heart of this transformation is its dedicated Quality Case Team, whose relentless efforts in External Quality Assessment (EQA) expansion and capacity development are setting new benchmarks for laboratory excellence.
For years, ensuring consistent, high-quality laboratory services across the vast and often remote areas of the Somali region presented a significant challenge. Diagnoses for critical diseases like Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria rely heavily on accurate smear microscopy. Recognizing this, the Quality Case Team embarked on an ambitious plan to strengthen the region's diagnostic backbone.
Driving Excellence Through Strategic Expansion
The team's vision was clear: to not only maintain but elevate the reliability of laboratory results. A cornerstone of their strategy was the expansion of blinded rechecking, a highly effective EQA method that reveals the true daily performance of laboratories. Traditionally centralized, the team courageously initiated the decentralization of this crucial rechecking role to capable hospitals within the region. This strategic move brought quality assurance closer to the point of care, fostering a culture of continuous improvement at the grassroots level.
Empowering Professionals: The Heart of Capacity Building
Understanding that quality is built on competence, the Quality Case Team placed immense emphasis on capacity development. Through meticulously planned face-to-face training workshops, they empowered 37 laboratory professionals – supervisors, controllers, and technicians – with the latest knowledge and skills in EQA methods for AFB and Malaria Smear Microscopy. These sessions weren't just about theory; they focused on practical application, from rechecking procedures and managing discordant slides to interpreting results and providing constructive feedback.
Furthermore, the team established three robust Technical Working Groups (TWGs), comprising 37 newly trained lab professionals. These groups serve as vital hubs for coordination, problem-solving, and ongoing skill enhancement, ensuring that the momentum of quality improvement is sustained from within.
Reaching the Unreached: A Commitment to Equity
A distinguishing feature of the Quality Case Team's approach is their unwavering commitment to equity. Special attention has been paid to staff in remote areas, ensuring that hard-to-reach communities gain access to the quality diagnostics they deserve. By strengthening peripheral sites and decentralizing rechecking, the team is actively bridging geographical gaps in healthcare access.
A Foundation of Data and Continuous Improvement
The team understands that progress must be measurable. They have championed the implementation of rigorous documentation, including guidelines for quality control and comprehensive quarterly and annual performance reports. This data-driven approach allows for evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that the EQA program remains responsive and effective.
The EQA Expansion and Capacity Development Plan is not a static document; it's a "living" testament to their adaptive spirit. Reviewed and revised annually, it reflects the team's dedication to learning from achievements and challenges, constantly refining their strategies for an even greater impact.
A Future Built on Quality
Thanks to the visionary leadership and tireless dedication of the Somali Regional Public Health Laboratory & Research Directorate's Quality Case Team, the region's diagnostic services are stronger, more reliable, and more accessible than ever before. Their work is a powerful reminder that investing in quality and capacity building directly translates into improved health outcomes for communities, laying a solid foundation for a healthier future in the Somali region.
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