Kwara trains 44 laboratory scientists in malaria, TB diagnosis

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The Kwara State Government has commenced a 10-day training programme for 44 Medical Laboratory Scientists on malaria and tuberculosis microscopy as part of efforts to strengthen diagnostic capacity and improve healthcare delivery in the state.

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According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, announced the development while declaring the training programme open in Ilorin.

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El-Imam described the training as a critical step towards improving accurate diagnosis and saving lives.

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“The exercise is a critical step towards improving accurate diagnosis and saving lives,” the commissioner said.

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She urged the participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge acquired in their various places of work.

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El-Imam said laboratory personnel played a fundamental role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, noting that the quality of information provided by laboratory scientists significantly influenced clinical decisions.

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“Misdiagnosis could result in unnecessary costs, prolonged illness and loss of lives,” she said.

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The commissioner urged the participants to embrace quality assurance, continuous learning and knowledge sharing in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

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Earlier, the Director of Public Health, Oluwatosin Fakayode, said the training was designed to build the capacity of Medical Laboratory Scientists in malaria and tuberculosis microscopy.

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Fakayode said the programme would also improve the accuracy and reliability of laboratory diagnosis across the state.

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The director said the training would provide the participants with the skills required to strengthen laboratory services and support better clinical decision-making.

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The lead facilitator, Oladosu Oladipo of the ANDI Centre of Excellence for Malaria Diagnosis, University of Lagos, commended the state government for its commitment to strengthening medical diagnosis, particularly in malaria and tuberculosis.

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Oladipo urged the government to sustain the initiative by establishing a dedicated centre for malaria diagnosis in the state.

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“The state should sustain this initiative by establishing a dedicated centre for malaria diagnosis, which will further enhance diagnostic services and capacity development,” he said.

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The training is being conducted in two batches, with each batch undergoing 10 days of intensive theoretical and practical sessions in malaria and tuberculosis microscopy.

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The programme is expected to enhance the capacity of the participating laboratory scientists to provide accurate and reliable diagnostic services for malaria and tuberculosis across the state.

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