NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is this week hosting the 2nd Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) Special Convention on Diagnostics, a high-level gathering bringing together scientists, policymakers, civil society, industry leaders, and development partners to advance Africa’s diagnostic capacity and strengthen antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.
The convention, held in Nairobi under the theme “Strengthening Diagnostics, AMR Surveillance and Innovative Financing for Impact,” comes days after the global commemoration of World AMR Week and places renewed attention on the continent’s struggle to address drug-resistant infections and weak diagnostic infrastructure.
Representing the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Director for Public Health Dr. Stephen Muleshe underscored Kenya’s commitment to positioning diagnostics at the core of Primary Health Care (PHC), Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and national health security architecture.
He noted the progress the country has made over the past decade, including an expanded laboratory network, strengthened genomic and AMR surveillance capacity, integration of diagnostics into PHC, and increased domestic investment in emergency preparedness.
“These gains reflect our determination to build a resilient health system that can detect outbreaks early, respond effectively, and prevent avoidable loss of life,” Dr. Muleshe said.
The convention is spotlighting a range of innovations in diagnostic technologies and integrated surveillance models.
Delegates are examining approaches to improve sample referral systems, scale genome sequencing across the continent, and strengthen cross-border reporting mechanisms to ensure early detection of emerging threats.
The forum is also exploring sustainable and catalytic financing models aimed at accelerating AMR response, with development partners emphasising the need for increased domestic resource mobilisation.
AMR remains one of the most pressing health threats globally and disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries.
According to regional health experts, gaps in surveillance, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to reliable testing significantly undermine Africa’s ability to respond to resistant infections.
Strengthening laboratory systems, they argue, is essential not only for AMR but also for pandemic preparedness and routine disease surveillance.
Dr. Muleshe commended ASLM for its role in convening technical leaders and fostering collaboration across sectors.
He expressed Kenya’s support for institutionalising the convention as a permanent platform for policy alignment and innovation exchange, noting that coordinated action is critical for achieving long-term impact.
“A stronger and more interconnected Africa begins with stronger diagnostics, and Kenya remains committed to leading and collaborating toward this shared vision,” he said.
The meeting is expected to produce policy recommendations for African governments, outline investment priorities for diagnostic systems, and reaffirm commitments to expanding AMR surveillance.
As discussions continue through the week, delegates say the focus must remain on turning scientific advances into scalable solutions capable of protecting communities across the continent.
With AMR risks rising and health systems confronting multiple threats, the Nairobi convention reinforces the central role of diagnostics in safeguarding public health and shaping a more resilient future for Africa.
