To strengthen laboratory systems in the country, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and the Medical Laboratory Services Division of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH &SW) have organized a two-day training and mentorship session for the leadership of State Laboratory Technical Working Groups (SLTWG) in four states.
Trainees were drawn from the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, Bayelsa and Nasarawa states and participated in sessions which highlighted the role of SLTWG in strategic responses to public health emergencies. Mentoring sessions also stressed cross sector collaboration in laboratory governance, team building and effective leadership.
IHVN Program Manager Clinical Laboratory Services, Mrs Joy Shimang said that the training was aimed at empowering the leadership teams to coordinate, lead effectively, and drive result-oriented activities of the groups.
Participants said the sessions were beneficial in supporting the growth of the technical working groups. Kano State Deputy Director Medical Laboratory Services, Mr. Hamza S. Fagge who participated in the training said that it has equipped him with the knowledge to address some teething challenges faced after the establishment of SLTWGs in the state.
Another participant, Nasarawa State Director Medical Laboratory Services, Mr. Stephen Ogoh added that , “the meeting was educative and insightful. I know that when I get back, we’ll be able to fine tune those areas that are challenging so that we will have a better State Laboratory Technical Working Group.”
The training was supported by the Resolve to Save Lives Project. The project has successfully established and supported the SLTWG in Bayelsa, FCT, Nasarawa, and Kano state respectively which is significant milestone in strengthening laboratory governance and coordination under the One Health framework.
