(Monrovia, Liberia, August 4, 2025) – The National Diagnostic Division (NDD) of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Wits Health Consortium (WHC) have successfully concluded a five-day Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) training held in Monrovia.
The training commenced with sessions tailored for senior laboratory managers, supervisors, and hospital administrators, followed by a specialized component for laboratory data officers and clerks.
A total of 31 participants attended, representing hospitals from several counties: Emirate Hospital in Gbarpolu County, Jackson F. Doe Memorial Hospital in Nimba County, JFK Memorial Hospital, JDJ Hospital, and Redemption Hospital in Montserrado County. A Quality Assurance Officer also took part in the sessions.
Dr. Jonathan N. Kpaka, Acting Director of the National Diagnostic Division, formally welcomed the participants and presented an overview of the National Laboratory Quality Management System. According to Dr. Kpaka, since the system’s establishment, over 80 laboratory professionals and numerous health facilities have been enrolled.
“This training is designed to incorporate laboratories from specific hospitals across Liberia into the national QMS framework,” Dr. Kpaka explained. “These institutions were selected by Minister of Health Dr. Louise M. Kpoto and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, who are closely monitoring implementation efforts.” He noted that the training is fully supported by the Global Fund.
Dr. Kpaka also revealed that the Government of Liberia, through the MOH, has procured 15 biochemistry and hemoglobin analyzers to enhance diagnostic services nationwide.
He identified sustainability as one of the major challenges facing the QMS initiative. To address this, the National Diagnostic Division has developed a sustainability plan, which includes assigning trained mentors to participating facilities. These mentors will guide and support local laboratory teams, while the NDD continues to provide oversight and supervision to ensure adherence to quality standards.
“These mentors are not there to police the laboratories,” Dr. Kpaka emphasized, “but rather to educate, mentor, and help improve the overall system.”
Mr. Elongo Fritz, Laboratory Technical Specialist at Wits Health Consortium, also addressed the participants. He highlighted the significant financial impact of laboratory errors over the years and stressed the importance of laboratory quality management systems as a preventive measure.
“The foundation of every functional laboratory is its documentation and records,” Mr. Fritz said. “Without these, it’s impossible to ensure quality and consistency.”