The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has called on the Federal Government to make strategic investments in smart diagnostics, laboratory infrastructure and disease surveillance, saying these are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s health security and achieving universal health coverage.
The appeal was made at the commencement of the association’s 19th Annual Public Health Lecture, where stakeholders stressed that modern diagnostic technologies and a resilient laboratory system are essential for the early detection, monitoring and control of infectious diseases.
According to the association, Nigeria’s healthcare system requires greater investment in digital and intelligent diagnostic tools capable of improving the speed and accuracy of disease detection while supporting effective public health responses.
AMLSN noted that a robust medical laboratory network remains the backbone of disease surveillance and outbreak management, adding that lessons from recent public health emergencies have underscored the importance of strengthening laboratory services nationwide.
The association urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for modern laboratory equipment, workforce development, research and innovation, as well as the deployment of smart diagnostic technologies across the country’s healthcare facilities.
Participants at the lecture also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, research organisations and development partners to build a more resilient health system capable of responding to emerging and re-emerging diseases.
Experts said investments in laboratory medicine would not only improve patient outcomes through timely and accurate diagnosis but also enhance Nigeria’s capacity to detect outbreaks early, support disease surveillance and contribute to national health security.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has consistently identified laboratory services as a critical component of the country’s disease surveillance and emergency response framework, with public health laboratories playing a central role in detecting and responding to infectious disease outbreaks.
The AMLSN said the annual public health lecture provides a platform for policymakers, health professionals and researchers to discuss pressing public health challenges and identify practical solutions for improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
