New lab scheme for Africa

A new system for laboratories to get accreditation has been launched by leading health organisations across Africa.

Health officials from 13 African countries launched the initiative, which is the first move for accreditation of medical laboratories in the continent.

The scheme has been set up by the World Health Organisation and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

It is hoped accreditation for laboratories will improve standards and result in better treatment for patients, as well as new funding and equipment.

Eric Goosby, US global Aids coordinator, said: "Supporting governments' efforts to strengthen national health care systems, including laboratory quality management, is essential to ensuring sustainability of country-driven HIV/Aids interventions.

"Efforts like this new lab accreditation process are essential to equipping countries and communities with the tools necessary for progress on health."

Rwanda, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, and Zambia are the countries signed up to the scheme.

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