Reliable and responsive laboratory systems are the foundation of effective disease prevention and control. In Rwanda, strengthening both human and animal health labs are critical at ensuring faster, more accurate diagnosis of potential outbreaks.
Why Laboratory Systems Matter
Behind every swift outbreak response is a laboratory network working quietly but powerfully in the background. These labs don’t just test samples—they generate answers. They tell us what pathogen is spreading, how dangerous it is, and how to stop it.
Objective
To increase the efficiency and capacity of human and animal health laboratory systems to ensure timely detection of pathogens of epidemic and pandemic potential.
Key Strategic Interventions
- Renovate and construct biosafety-level laboratories (BSL-2 and BSL-3) in key locations to improve coverage and diagnostic capabilities.
- Establish joint-use facilities to promote collaboration between human and veterinary laboratory services.
- Procure high-standard diagnostic machines and sustainable reagent supply systems to increase throughput and test sensitivity.
- Prioritize automation and digital integration where feasible to improve consistency and data management.
- Institutionalize comprehensive Quality Management Systems (QMS) across all public labs.
- Support international accreditation processes (e.g. ISO 15189 for medical labs and ISO 17025 for veterinary labs) through mentorship, audits, and gap assessments.
- Strengthen sample transportation networks to reduce turnaround time and expand reach.
- Develop tracking systems for specimen integrity and cold chain management.
- Strengthen National Laboratory Information System (LIS).
- Train staff in updated protocols for pathogen handling, containment, and emergency response.
- Equip labs with modern bio-containment infrastructure and personal protective equipment.
- Align policies with international biosafety standards to ensure environmental and personnel safety.
Targeted Performance Indicators
- Improved JEE Technical Areas:
- Laboratory testing & specimen referral: D.1.1 – D.1.4
- Biosafety & biosecurity: P.7.1 – P.7.2
- Improved PVS Score Indicators:
- Veterinary laboratory capacity & biosafety: PVS II
