Global Fund and Private Sector Partners Applaud Progress in Laboratory Systems Integration
19th June, 2025: Kampala, Uganda.
This week, the National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS) hosted a delegation from the Global Fund and private sector partners; Abbott, Siemens Healthineers, and BD on a four-day mission to Uganda. The team was here to assess the impact of the Laboratory Systems Integration Fund (LSIF) on Uganda’s laboratory and health sector.
The delegation began with a courtesy visit to the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, before embarking on field visits to witness firsthand how investments in lab systems are transforming health service delivery.
The team toured Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, and a local manufacturing facility in Kangulumira
They concluded their visit with a meeting at NHLDS hosted by Commissioner Dr. Susan Nabadda and Laboratory Director Dr. Isaac Ssewanyana.
Dr Susan appealed for continued investment in the lab sector to;
Expand infrastructure to support regional center of excellence,
Operationalise UGANAS to accredit Laboratories
Last mile digitalisation and adoption of AI
Strengthen readiness and response to disease outbreak.
And support regional laboratory systems strengthening.
“We are Africa CDC center of excellence, WHO pre-qualification evaluation lab and a reference lab for quality assurance, we now need investment to serve this vision and bring it to life”, Dr. Susan Nabadda appealed.
Delegates were impressed by the progress Uganda has made in strengthening laboratory services not only at the national level but also in decentralized facilities across the country.
According to Patrick Royle, Lead of the Laboratory Systems Integration Fund at the Global Fund, Uganda is emerging as a benchmark for other countries in areas of lab leadership and governance, laboratory systems coordination, decentralization, value for money, and quality management.
“Uganda has given us evidence how Global Fund investment is impacting not only lives in Uganda but cascading to the African region. We have witnessed incredible levels of expertise, and accomplishments made that have enabled us to see the concepts from paper to tangible results. I can advocate for additional resources backed by strong evidence", Patrick Royle Lead- Laboratory Systems Integration Fund.
“We are humbled by the dedication and the work. I cannot explain the incredible feeling seeing the project concept come to life. I make personal commitment to share the impact I have witnessed in Uganda,” Agnes Mwagiru - Access to Care Lead Siemens Healthineers.
“We came with questions that have been adequately answered. We have been impressed by the results and impact. Uganda is intentional about strengthening systems from lower level to national level to improve efficiency. I am equally impressed by the sustainability plans and strategies, local manufacturing abilities, homegrown informatic systems as well as regional stewardship as a ripple effect from the catalytic funding,” Maryanne Otieno – BD Africa Public Affairs Manager.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria is a significant partner in Uganda's efforts to combat these diseases, providing substantial financial support and technical assistance.
