Uganda Sets Benchmark in Laboratory System Strengthening
05/December/2025: Kampala- Uganda.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health Department for National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic services has been hailed as the first in Africa to pioneer and implement some of the world’s most advanced laboratory assessment tools, positioning its systems as a model for the continent.
This recognition came from the Global Fund’s LMM Team Lead, Pascale Ondoa, during the closing ceremony of a five-day high-level assessor training on the Laboratory Maturity Monitoring Tool (LMM).
The training attracted experts from across Africa.
“I would like to commend Uganda team for opening doors to us to assess them on the LMM. Uganda was also the first laboratory in Africa to pioneer the LABNET Scorecard assessment in 2016 during Ebola outbreak before its full roll out in other countries. This exemplifies NHLD’s strong vision not only for Uganda but for the African continent,” said Pascale Ondoa, Medical Laboratory Specialist at the Global Fund.
Other leaders didn’t hold back.
“Uganda has been assessed and monitored in a standardised way as the pioneer for the LMM tool. Uganda is exceptional, we know where we are in terms of accreditation and in the process of setting up our own (UGANAS) but LMM shows us where to focus the funding in the next cycle,” noted Dr. Fatim Jallow of the Global Fund.
“We have killed two birds with one stone during this process. First, was the training of frontline soldiers to replicate this in other African countries and second, we have assessed Uganda’s health system, now they know their strengths and weaknesses and we are happy with what we have seen. Africa Union CDC and Global Fund we commit to support Uganda to improve the system to progress to where we can talk about sustainability in key areas covered by the tool. This tool is going to change how we approach health system strengthening in Africa and beyond,” said Dr. Noah Takah Fongwen of Africa CDC.
The Director General of Health Services and Chair of the National Laboratory Technical and Advisory Committee, Dr. Charles Olaro, presided over both the opening and closing ceremonies. He applauded partners for strengthening Uganda’s laboratory foundation and urged continued collaboration to close existing gaps.
“We know with your continued support we will reach full maturity as a sector. We also remain open to other countries who would want to benchmark our systems. You have supported us to where we are and with your support we will cover the small gaps,” said Dr. Charles Olaro.
The Commissioner of NHLDS, Dr. Susan Nabadda, called the assessment both strategic and timely.
“The assessment is timely because we are soon signing bilateral MoUs with US Government and Global Fund and now the assessment results give me the evidence I need to justify why we want particular areas prioritised for both domestic and government resources. And I would like to assure you that three years later, we will have decentralised our services,” said Dr. Susan Nabadda.
Trainers and assessors concluded that Uganda is firmly on the path toward Universal Health Coverage, with great potential to further integrate and optimise diagnostic services in line with global standards. Key opportunities that the tool highlighted in Uganda’s diagnostic system include:
A strong ability to maintain focus amidst evolving health financing challenges.
Solid emergency preparedness for outbreaks
Clear prioritisation of critical needs
Evidence-based insights that will guide investment and sector planning.
