NHLDS Releases Findings from pilot studies to integrate Private Motorcycle Riders into National Specimen Referral System in Uganda
Protea Hotel -Kampala - 6 Sept 2023
The Ministry of Health through NHLDS (National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services) recently conducted two pilot studies to explore the feasibility of integrating private motorcycle riders into the National Sample Transport and Results Network (NSTRN). This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the existing hub system. The pilot studies took place in various districts, including Wakiso (peri-urban/rural), Kampala (urban), Tororo, Pallisa, Luwero, Rakai, Mityana, and Jinja, and received funding from Beckton Dickson (BD) through the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
During the dissemination meeting at Protea Hotel in Kampala, Dr. Susan Nabadda, Commissioner NHLDS, expressed gratitude to the funders and implementers for their commitment to this innovative project. She highlighted the importance of building upon the initiative's success and urged her team to embrace the strategy of utilizing the three different models in areas where they are most relevant.
"We thank the funders CDC, IDI, and BD for venturing into something new that has yielded positive results. We are returning to this endeavor to maintain our momentum and continue developing these initiatives and strategies. I encourage my team to take ownership of this new innovation as we collectively work towards its implementation," said Dr. Susan Nabadda.
Jonathan Ntale from CDC shared his excitement about NHLDS's proactive approach to improving the existing National Sample Referral transport network while hosting other countries to learn from their experiences. He emphasized CDC's pride in being associated with these initiatives and highlighted the importance of sustainability and integration in their collaborative efforts.
"We are excited that, as NHLDS hosts other countries to learn about the existing National Sample Referral transport network, you are already innovatively working around improving the system. As CDC, we are proudly associated with these initiatives. As PEPFAR, we are focused on sustainability and integration as desired actions. We look forward to greater collaborations," Jonathan Ntale.
Dr. Isaac Ssewanyana, Laboratory Director, explained the rationale behind the private riders' strategy, emphasizing its role in complementing the existing sample transport system for greater efficiency. He stressed the importance of optimization to maximize the benefits and meet the increasing demand for testing services.
"The private riders' strategy is intended to enhance the efficiency of the existing sample transport system, particularly through the hub-spoke model. Therefore, there is a need for optimization to fully leverage the advantages it offers, as there is a clear and growing demand for results that we must meet," Dr. Isaac Ssewanyana.
