Kwara trains 44 medical laboratory scientists on malaria diagnosis, TB diagnosis
…10-day training targets more accurate laboratory diagnosis, improved patient care
The Kwara State Government has commenced a 10-day training for 44 Medical Laboratory Scientists on malaria and tuberculosis microscopy as part of efforts to improve diagnostic accuracy in the state.
The training, being held in two batches at Peace Hotel, Ilorin, is designed to strengthen the capacity of laboratory personnel to accurately diagnose malaria and tuberculosis and support better clinical decisions.
Declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, described the exercise as a critical step towards improving accurate diagnosis and saving lives.
She urged the participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge acquired in their respective places of work, stressing the importance of laboratory personnel to patient diagnosis and treatment.
El-Imam warned that misdiagnosis could lead to unnecessary costs, prolonged illness and loss of lives, noting that the quality of information provided by laboratory scientists significantly influences clinical decisions.
She also encouraged the participants to embrace quality assurance, continuous learning and knowledge sharing, urging them to approach their profession with a commitment to excellence.
Earlier, the Director of Public Health, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, said the training was designed to build the capacity of Medical Laboratory Scientists in malaria and tuberculosis microscopy and improve the accuracy and reliability of laboratory diagnosis across the state.
The lead facilitator, Dr Oladosu Oladipo of the ANDI Centre of Excellence for Malaria Diagnosis, University of Lagos, commended the state government for investing in diagnostic capacity, particularly in malaria and tuberculosis.
Oladipo urged the government to sustain the initiative by establishing a dedicated centre for malaria diagnosis, saying this would further strengthen diagnostic services and capacity development in the state.
The training is being conducted in two batches, with each batch undergoing 10 days of intensive theoretical and practical sessions in malaria and tuberculosis microscopy.
