UNAIDS and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 8 December to collaboratively improve access to HIV testing and strengthen health systems throughout Africa.
The aim of the collaboration is to improve access to inexpensive, accurate and simple HIV and TB diagnostics to ensure the long-term effectiveness and quality of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is key to achieve the objectives of the UNAIDS 2015 Treatment Initiative.
The ASLM is committed to supporting efforts to expand access to key diagnostics through its 2020 strategic vision—strengthening laboratory workforce development, improving laboratory accreditation, harmonizing regulatory systems and strengthening national and regional laboratory networks.
“We must ensure people living with HIV have access to quality laboratory services in Africa. We continue to fail children because we do not have adequate diagnostics and laboratory capacity. HIV testing needs to be simpler, quicker, more cost-effective and more widely available, so that we can fast-track lifesaving treatments to our communities.”
Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS
“Coordinated efforts, based on best practices, are essential for building effective HIV programmes. Effective implementation can produce significant benefits for millions of patients without access to HIV testing and will substantially improve the effectiveness of HIV treatment and prevention services.”
Tsehaynesh Messele, ASLM Chief Executive Officer
