The Event Overview
The Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Association of Tanzania (MeLSAT) in collaboration with Human Quality Assessment Services (HUQAS) were successfully hosted The 37th MeLSAT and 23rd HUQAS Scientific Conference held from 1st to 4th October 2024 at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma, Tanzania. The event gathered over 450 delegates from across Tanzania, East Africa, and beyond focusing on the theme, “Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Through Research, Quality and Reliable Laboratory Results.”
The conference offered an essential platform for medical laboratory professionals, researchers, scholars, and other stakeholders in medical laboratory and healthcare services to network, share knowledge, and engage in discussions about the role of laboratories in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
The Opening Ceremony
The official opening ceremony of the conference occurred on the second day (2nd October 2024) and was graced by the presence of the Guest of Honor, Hon. Dr. Dotto Mashaka Biteko, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, who represented The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan
The Deputy Prime Minister commended health laboratory practitioners all over the country for their invaluable dedication to improving Tanzanians’ health and supporting government efforts to provide quality healthcare services. He urged these professionals to remain committed and proud to their field, emphasizing the importance of integrity, professionalism, and actively preserving the dignity of their profession.
He also highlighted that the government acknowledges the crucial role laboratory professionals play in healthcare services across the country, underscoring ongoing investments in laboratory infrastructure and advanced diagnostic equipment to enhance their vital work.
Furthermore, Dr. Biteko assured the audience that the challenges raised by MeLSAT President Mr. Yahya Mnung’a on his speech would be addressed promptly through the relevant government offices, including the Ministry of Health and the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government.
Dr. Biteko was accompanied by other notable officials, including Hon. Jenista Mhagama, Minister of Health, Eng. Rogatus Mativila, Deputy General Secretary of the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, Dr. Saitor Laizer, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Hon. Rosemary S. Senyamule, Dodoma Regional Commissioner and other governmental officials. Their presence highlighted the collaborative efforts between the government and the laboratory profession in tackling healthcare challenges and advancing the quality of laboratory services in Tanzania.
Keynote Presentations
The conference featured keynote speakers who delivered a series of presentations exploring various aspects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and Laboratory Science. Mr. Shabani Mziray, A Laboratory Manager at Kibong’oto Infectious Disease Hospital, presented on “Crucial role of Laboratories in Public Health”. Following him, Mr. Ambele Mwafulango from the National Public Health Laboratory presented on “Strategies for tackling emerging and re-emerging diseases, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and diagnostic accuracy.”
Dr. Martha Mushi from the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences presented on “Overview of Fungal Diagnostics”, highlighting the vital role of effective diagnostics in managing AMR and lastly, Mr. Simon Peter Rugera from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda highlighted “The significance of Quality Training in Empowering Future Laboratory Professionals in East Africa”.
Following these presentations, delegates had the opportunity to engage with the keynote speakers during a Q&A session, where they asked questions, share their insights, commented and participated in discussions.
Paper Presentations
During the conference, over 26 research papers were presented, each aligning with the conference theme, “Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Through Research,
Quality, and Reliable Laboratory Results.” These presentations covered a range of topics crucial to addressing AMR, from innovative diagnostic techniques, the burden of infectious disease to quality control in laboratories.
Each session provided delegates with the opportunity to delve deeply into the research findings, discussing methodologies, results, and potential impacts on laboratory practices and public health initiatives.
The presentations were followed by dynamic Q&A sessions, where delegates engaged with the presenters, asking questions and discussing practical applications. This interactive exchange allowed for collaborative learning and the sharing of diverse perspectives, strengthening the conference’s overall impact on promoting effective strategies in combating AMR.
Exhibitions
The conference’s exhibition area featured over 24 exhibitors, including notable companies and organizations within the medical and laboratory sectors. Exhibitors such as The Scientific Group, KS Global Enterprises, Snibe Diagnostic and KAS Medics Ltd displayed a variety of advanced diagnostic equipment, highlighting innovations that can improve accuracy and efficiency in laboratory testing. Other exhibitors were Anudha Ltd, Phomas Diagnostics, Caltes Company Ltd, Private Health Laboratories Board (PHLB), Tutume worldwide, Health Laboratory Professional Council (HLPC), CAA Medical, Crown Health Care (T) LTD, Sciex LTD, Moraf Pharmaceutical, NMB Bank PLC, Heavy Champion, Hypermed Healthcare LTD, Kampa Health Products, NHIF, Malulu Company Ltd, Inqaba Biotech, Future Medicals, Ave Maria Sauna, Medical Stores Department and Damax Tanzania Company Ltd.
Each exhibitor’s booth provided delegates with the opportunity to interact directly with new technologies, medical equipment, and specialized resources that support the delivery of quality laboratory services. By engaging with exhibitors, delegates were able to explore practical solutions for strengthening laboratory operations and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Annual General Meeting and Election
On the final day, MeLSAT held its Annual General Meeting, which included a review of the Annual Executive Summary and Financial Report. These agenda highlighted the association’s numerous achievements over the past year and underscored its unwavering commitment to financial transparency. The event concluded with the election of new leaders for the 2024–2027 term, where members had the opportunity to select a leadership team dedicated to advancing MeLSAT’s mission. The new leaders were announced following the vote, marking the end of the conference on a note of renewed direction and commitment for MeLSAT’s members and their collective efforts toward laboratory science excellence.
