The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) has joined the Ministry of Health (MOH) in congratulating the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Calibration Centre following its recommendation for accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 after a recent assessment by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS).

ISO/IEC 17025 is the internationally recognized standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. The recommendation represents a major milestone for Zambia’s health system, strengthening national capacity for calibration services and improving the reliability of measurements that support laboratory diagnostics and clinical care.

During the SADCAS exit meeting held on 5 March 2026, the assessment team commended the centre for the strength of its documented management system and the competence of its personnel. The laboratory will now proceed to the corrective action phase, with identified nonconformities expected to be addressed by 5 May 2026 as part of the accreditation process.

CIDRZ, through its Transitioning and Integrating Laboratory Services (TRAILS) project, supports the Ministry of Health to strengthen calibration services through technical partnership, mentorship, and targeted procurement of priority calibration equipment and essential supplies. This work is funded by the United States Government through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UTH, CIDRZ remains committed to supporting the calibration centre in addressing the remaining nonconformities within the agreed timeframe and advancing toward full ISO 17025 accreditation,” CIDRZ noted.

The progress achieved reflects coordinated national efforts led by the Ministry of Health, working alongside CIDRZ and key partners including the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC).

Strengthening calibration services plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory equipment used in diagnostics and patient care. The accreditation of the UTH Calibration Centre will contribute to improved quality assurance systems, enhanced patient safety, and greater confidence in health system measurements across Zambia