AMPATH Care Regional Laboratory Stakeholder Forum Fosters Collaboration for Enhanced Laboratory Practices

In a concerted effort to promote collaboration and unity among HIV national molecular laboratories in the Rift Valley, Western, and Nyanza regions, AMPATH Care Laboratory successfully hosted a laboratory stakeholder forum on June 8, 2023, at AMPATH Training Institute in Eldoret which included stakeholders from labs throughout these regions.

Silvia Kadima leads the lab stakeholder forum.

The forum was aimed at fostering collaboration and unity among laboratories and emphasized the importance of improved laboratory practices in Viral Load and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) processes. Led by Silvia Kadima, head of Laboratory Services at USAID AMPATH Uzima, the forum provided a platform for laboratories to share their experiences and highlight best practices related to EID and viral load testing. The event aimed to assess the progress made throughout the year, identify areas for improvement, and facilitate knowledge exchange among participating partners and hubs.

"The idea is to bring partners together to look at EID and viral load progress in 2023," said Kadima, emphasizing the significance of regular engagement and collaboration in enhancing laboratory practices.

"The lab serves 11 counties in western Kenya and has been applauded for its quick turnaround time to release results due to investment in high-end equipment," added Prof. Sylvester Kimaiyo, Chief of Party for USAID AMPATH Uzima, emphasizing the positive impact of the laboratory on healthcare outcomes. The counties served include: Baringo, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, Kisumu, Migori, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu and West Pokot.

The Stakeholder Forum marked a pivotal point in promoting standardized laboratory practices in the region. Moving forward, visits to different laboratories will be planned to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge and monitor progress.