Key stakeholders in Zambia’s laboratory sector, who gathered in Siavonga this week, have concluded the COP25 Laboratory Planning and Consultative Meeting with the adoption of nine resolutions, dubbed ‘The Siavonga Resolutions,’ aimed at improving laboratory services in Zambia.

The “Siavonga Resolutions” aim to strengthen and ensure sustainability of the Zambia National Biomedical Laboratory Strategic Plan and align it with the priorities of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Country Operational Plan for 2025.

Key resolutions include:

• Developing a digital health lab strategy

• Establishing a financial forum equivalent to the Laboratory Technical Working Group

• Creating a laboratory Business Development Unit

• Establishing a dedicated laboratory directorate within the Ministry of Health

• Securing a dedicated budget line for laboratories within the Ministry of Health

• Developing a comprehensive legal framework for pathology and laboratory services

• Developing a national laboratory research plan

• Developing a framework to track partner funding for laboratory services

• Developing a national laboratory workforce strategy

The stakeholders agreed that the adoption of the “Siavonga Resolutions” will ensure the sustainable provision of high-quality laboratory services across the country.

The @Ministry of Health’s Assistant Director of Pathology and Laboratory Services, Mr Mweemba Muvwimi, commended the stakeholders for their valuable contributions and commitment to improving laboratory services in Zambia.

He assured the participants that the Ministry will actively work to implement the “Siavonga Resolutions.”

“We do not take your support for granted. Your expertise and your time will not go to waste. We will ensure that these resolutions are implemented,” Mr Muvwimi said.

The meeting ended with an interactive team-building exercise, fostering stronger collaboration and partnerships among collaborating partners.

The COP25 Laboratory Systems Planning and Consultative meeting hosted by the Ministry of Health and the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), marks a significant step forward in Zambia’s journey towards a robust and resilient laboratory system, ultimately improving patient care and public health outcomes.