SRHB launches vital TB & Malaria microscopy and EQA training (July 8–11, 2025) for peripheral labs, enhancing diagnostic quality in Somali Region.
SRHB Drives Quality: Training for TB & Malaria Diagnostics in Somali Region
Jijiga, Somali, Ethiopia
The Somali Regional Health Bureau (SRHB), through its Public Health Laboratory and Research Center, recently conducted a crucial training program focused on Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria Microscopy, alongside External Quality Assessment (EQA) practices. Held from July 8-11, 2025, this intensive training was specifically designed for our dedicated peripheral laboratory staff, marking a significant step forward in the SRHB's collective commitment to public health.
During the opening remarks, the Director of the Somali Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Center shared a powerful message, emphasizing the pivotal role of accurate diagnostics in safeguarding community health.
Key Message from the Directorate Director:
"Dear esteemed laboratory professionals, colleagues, and partners,
It is with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this vital training program on TB and Malaria Microscopy and External Quality Assessment. Your presence here today underscores your commitment to excellence, and for that, we are truly grateful.
In the Somali region, TB and Malaria continue to pose significant public health challenges. The first line of defense against these diseases lies squarely within our laboratories, and specifically, with the accurate and timely diagnosis you provide. Microscopy remains the cornerstone of this effort, a fundamental tool that directly impacts patient care and public health interventions.
This training is not merely about refining technical skills; it is about strengthening our entire diagnostic ecosystem. The principles of External Quality Assessment, particularly Random Blinded Rechecking (RBR), are not just guidelines – they are our assurance of quality, our mechanism for continuous improvement, and our promise to the communities we serve. By embracing robust EQA practices, we ensure that every slide examined, every result reported, contributes to a reliable and trustworthy healthcare system.
Your role as frontline laboratory personnel is indispensable. Your daily dedication ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses, leading to effective treatment and, ultimately, healthier lives.. This training is an investment in your capabilities, equipping you with the latest knowledge and techniques to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
The Somali Regional Public Health Laboratory and Research Center is fully committed to supporting your efforts. We stand ready to provide the necessary resources, guidance, and continuous mentorship to ensure that every peripheral laboratory in our region operates at its optimal capacity.
Let us seize this opportunity to learn, to collaborate, and to reinforce our shared vision: a Somali region where every TB and malaria diagnosis is precise, timely, and contributes directly to ending these diseases. Your commitment today will translate into countless lives saved and a healthier future for all."
