From ensuring proper specimen collection to correctly using equipment, improving lab quality management systems is a crucial part of the Global One Health initiative's (GOHi) work in Ethiopia. Since 2022, GOHi and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) have worked to advance the quality management system of the microbiology laboratories at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and Zewditu Memorial Hospital (ZMH).
GOHi and the EPHI conducted initial assessments using the World Health Organization's Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist supplemented by Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation training. The team also provided the hospitals with basic laboratory supplies, equipment and continuous embedded mentorship.
This collaborative effort resulted in both laboratories achieving significant accreditation milestones. TASH's microbiology lab is now accredited by the International Organization for Standardization, and ZMH recently applied for the same accreditation. The accreditation proves a laboratory's testing and equipment meet specific quality and competency standards.