The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is hosting a high-level, 19-member delegation from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uganda for a strategic engagement focused on sharing practical lessons, proven systems and operational expertise that can support Uganda’s laboratory reform programme.
Uganda is drawing on South Africa’s extensive experience in delivering laboratory medicine at national scale as it seeks to strengthen its laboratory system and enhance national health security.
The visit provides the delegation with first-hand insight into the NHLS’ integrated national public laboratory network, a globally distinctive model of public-sector laboratory service delivery, and the systems, capabilities and operational expertise that enable the NHLS to deliver comprehensive diagnostic laboratory services at scale across South Africa’s public health sector. The engagement will explore how the NHLS organises, coordinates and sustains laboratory services across all levels of the health system, with a view to identifying proven approaches and lessons that can inform Uganda’s ongoing laboratory reforms.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health, through its National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, is restructuring the country’s laboratory service to build a more effective, efficient, sustainable and responsive national network.
The visit builds on longstanding bilateral health cooperation between Uganda and South Africa and reflects a growing emphasis on African countries sharing institutional expertise and practical solutions to common health challenges.
“This engagement reflects the power of African institutions working together to solve shared health challenges. By exchanging proven approaches and practical lessons, we can support Uganda’s reform journey while helping to build more resilient, equitable laboratory services and stronger health security across the continent,” said NHLS Chief Executive Officer, Prof Koleka Mlisana.
The 19-member delegation brings together technical representatives from Uganda’s health and public health service agencies, as well as Parliament. Through high-level discussions and site visits, delegates will examine the NHLS’ governance model, organisational structure and integration within South Africa’s public health system.
The programme will delve into the practical building blocks of an effective national laboratory service from the design and coordination of laboratory tiers and specimen referral pathways to centralised testing, economies of scale, financing, resource allocation and equitable access to diagnostic services.
Delegates will also be exposed to relevant NHLS innovations and operational approaches, providing an opportunity to exchange lessons on what works at scale and how laboratory systems can be positioned to respond effectively to both routine healthcare needs and broader public health threats.
Beyond the immediate benchmarking exercise, the engagement is expected to deepen institutional
collaboration between South Africa and Uganda, accelerate knowledge exchange and contribute to
the development of stronger, more resilient laboratory systems and improved health security across
Africa.
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