The sixth annual meeting of the Ecowas Regional Reference Laboratory Network concluded in Banjul on Thursday, bringing together laboratory scientists and health experts to strengthen disease surveillance and regional preparedness.
The three-day meeting, held from October 27 to 29, focused on improving laboratory services, addressing gaps in diagnostic capacity and reviewing the proposed Ecowas Regional Laboratory Strategic Plan 2027-2030.
German Ambassador Klaus Botzet said strong laboratory systems and regional cooperation are essential to detect diseases early and prevent cross-border outbreaks.
He cited Ebola and the recently confirmed case in Nigeria as reminders that countries must share information, expertise and resources.
Germany, he said, has partnered with the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) for more than 13 years through the West African Laboratory Programme (ProLab), supported by KfW Development Bank.
In The Gambia, the programme supports the National Public Health Laboratory and the National Veterinary Laboratory. The Ambassador also announced plans for Germany to finance a multipurpose surgical unit at the National Emergency Treatment Centre in Farato and provision of laboratory equipment there.
Health Minister Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said the regional network, established by WAHO in 2016, has recorded progress in genomic surveillance, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, biosafety and laboratory quality management.
However, he said shortages of skilled personnel, inadequate infrastructure, equipment gaps and limited funding remain persistent challenges across West Africa.
He urged member states to ensure the proposed 2027-2030 Strategic Plan includes clear responsibilities, sustainable financing and measurable targets.
The Minister called for environmental and toxicological surveillance to be integrated into the network under the One Health approach, linking human, animal and environmental health.
He said continued investment in staff training, equipment maintenance and quality assurance is necessary to improve standards and ensure reliable diagnostics.
Samateh disclosed that construction of a state-of-the-art multipurpose theatre in The Gambia will begin soon with KfW support. The facility will expand capacity for kidney transplants and open-heart surgery.
He urged Ecowas member states and development partners to translate discussions into concrete commitments to improve laboratory performance and strengthen regional health security.
