Lodwar- April 16, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The Department of Health and Sanitation today celebrated the International Medical Laboratory Science Day, which highlights the essential role that laboratories play in diagnosing diseases, monitoring health, and ensuring quality patient care.

This year’s theme – Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics – highlights the vital role of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in advancing clinical health care while prioritising environmental responsibility.

In her opening remarks, the Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Services, Janerose Tioko, acknowledged that laboratory scientists play a key role in diagnosis, quality development and assurance, treatment and research development in the modern medical sciences.

“This event not only honours the efforts  but also encourages ongoing support and advocacy for better resources and training in the field of laboratory medicine,” she said.

The Chief Officer reiterated that the county has made significant strides in improving healthcare services, including investing in upgrading laboratory facilities, providing modern equipment, and capacity building of the laboratory professionals towards improving the quality of services.

The Chief Medical Laboratory Technologist, Benjamin Lowoko, mentioned that the county has invested in upgrading laboratory facilities, providing modern equipment, and enhancing training opportunities for laboratory professionals.

“Today, the county government, in a special way, honours the dedication and resilience of laboratory professionals across the county,” he said.

Chief Tioko also recognised the collaborations with NGOs and national health authorities, which have further strengthened the capacity of laboratories in the region. She, however, called for more support for better resources and training in the field of laboratory medicine.

The Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH) provides all the following key laboratory tests while the sub-county hospitals can provide most of the tests including: Malaria Microscopy, Complete Blood Count, HIV testing, Tuberculosis, Blood Glucose Testing, Serological tests, MARKERS, blood donation, Cholera diagnosis, Occult blood test, Cultures, CD4 counts, and Profiles.

In attendance were the Senior Health Management Team and the County Health Management Team.