West African Health Organization Collaborates with MLSCN on Capacity Building

The Registrar, Dr. Tosan Erhabor yesterday, in Abuja, reiterated the importance of collaboration among West African nations to enhance laboratory capacities within the sub region. Represented by Dr. Donald Ofili, Deputy Registrar Accreditation Service, the Registrar made the remark during the opening ceremony of the 5-day End-User Training on Biosafety Cabinet Use and Maintenance, organized by MLSCN and the West African Health Organization.

While appreciating the Director-General of WAHO for selecting Nigeria as the host country for the crucial training, the Registrarfurther noted that in addition to building and strengthening the capabilities of laboratories within the West African sub region, collaborations would help the sub region to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies.

“This training is a testament to our commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among West African nations,” he noted, adding: “With participants representing both French and English-speaking countries, we aim to facilitate a dynamic learning environment that promotes practical skills development over theoretical concepts.”

The Registrar also extolled the contributions of MLSCN in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem, noting that, “As a regulatory agency of the Nigerian government, MLSCN oversees the certification of medical laboratory personnel and the registration of medical laboratories, with over 4000 medical laboratories in the country.” The Council’s mandate, according to him, includes ensuring the quality, safety, and sustainability of laboratory services provided to citizens.