The Eritrean Medical Laboratory Association (ERIMLA) held its 8th Scientific Conference on March 7th under the theme “Advancing Medical Laboratory Services for Quality Healthcare.”
The National Scientific Conference brought together professionals, researchers, and experts to share knowledge, present new research findings, and discuss advances in science and practice. It provided a platform for exchanging ideas, identifying challenges, and exploring innovative solutions to improve services and patient outcomes. Needless to emphasize, such scientific conferences are extremely vital for promoting relevant research, collaboration, and articulation of development strategies that enhance the quality and effectiveness of the services rendered at health institutions.
During the event, several research papers were presented.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Michael Tesfamichael, stated that the National Association’s main goal is to work diligently to ensure that people receive reliable and effective healthcare services while expanding these services to remote areas. The association aims to focus on the public interest, provide coordinated healthcare, build strong relationships with other health groups and professionals, and increase members’ contributions. It also works to share current information with its membership.
For the past 30 years, the Ministry of Health has strived to develop the capacity and equipment of the national laboratory system. It has improved the capabilities of all laboratories in the country, both in quality and quantity. Recruiting qualified health personnel to meet the National Laboratory Centre’s needs has been one of the Ministry’s principal tasks. Mr. Michael also highlighted the Association’s achievements and challenges in recent years. He noted that the Association is working hard to address ground-level problems while improving its organizational competence and related outcomes. Among the challenges he mentioned was the lengthy interval that elapsed to convene another scheduled Conference since 2011 due to technical problems and the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
During the Conference, the Association reviewed its constitution and elected six new executive committee members responsible for the next two years. The various functions include: the President, General Secretary, Report and Development Unit, Editorial Board, Digital Services, Public Relations, and Finance. The Eritrean National Association of Health Laboratories, established in 1997, now has more than 540 members.
Six research papers were presented during the conference. The first study primarily focuses on the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) seromarkers and genotypes among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Eritrea. It examines the regional distribution of various HBV genotypes, providing valuable insights into the epidemiology of HBV infection in the country. The findings aim to inform public health strategies for vaccination, screening, and management of hepatitis B, ultimately reducing transmission and disease burden among women and the broader population.
The second paper aims to determine the prevalence and trends of molecular markers associated with anti-malarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected from sentinel sites in Eritrea. By analyzing these markers over time, the research seeks to monitor the emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria strains, providing critical data to inform treatment policies and malaria control strategies in the region.
The third paper, which investigates the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among the elderly population in Asmara, proved particularly noteworthy. It specifically aims to identify optimal waist circumference cut-off points for this demographic segment to improve detection and risk assessment. This cross-sectional, community-base, study provides valuable insights into the metabolic health of older adults, informing targeted interventions and public health policies to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in this population.
The fourth study focuses on Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Eritrea, through retrospective cohort analysis to assess mortality rates and identify factors associated with patient outcomes. It aims to understand the burden of MDR-TB, evaluate treatment successes and challenges, and formulate strategies to improve management and reduce mortality related to drug-resistant TB in the country.
The fifth paper addressed TB genomics, explaining the introduction of gene sequencing across different species, including TB. This research examines TB lineages in Eritrea and compares their characteristics with those in neighbouring countries. This technology helps identify each species as pathogenic or non-pathogenic, which ultimately determines the duration and type of treatment required.
The final paper presented a striking finding exploring the notable prevalence of esophageal cancer among women in Eritrea and investigating whether early menopause may be a contributing factor. By analyzing data collected over ten years through a retrospective cohort approach, the research aims to identify potential links between low age at menopause and increased risk of esophageal cancer in this population. The findings could have significant implications for understanding gender-specific risk factors and guiding targeted prevention strategies.
Ensuring health services are delivered by qualified and knowledgeable professionals guarantees quality and effectiveness; and, builds community confidence and trust in accessing and utilizing government-provided services. Professionals from different parts of the country have a common ground to participate, share, and gain knowledge through such scientific conferences.
In this perspective, the Scientific Conference remains vital and indispensable for building capacity; the dissemination of scientific research findings; as well as the cultivation of consensus that will, in turn, enhance optimal delivery of health services.
The Eritrean national laboratory has been equipped with the latest laboratory technology and expert staff to meet society’s needs by expanding the Histopathology, Microbiology, Haematology, Serology, TB Gene Xpert and Culture, and Molecular Biology departments at the national level. This has significantly helped reduce patients’ expenses for overseas referrals for definitive diagnosis.
It is also important to recognize the heroic contribution of medical laboratory association members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like other health professionals, they had placed their lives at risk and prioritized citizens’ safety above all else, in those trying circumstances.
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