11/12/2025
The Scientific Conference official opening took place 10th Dec 25. In an address, President Mutale Mubanga thanked the Southern Province Minister who on behalf of Minister of Health was the guest of honor for attending the conference. Mr. Mubanga in his speech stressed that despite severe funding challenges and reduced international support, the event proceeded thanks to sponsors led by Sonergy, Abbott, Roche and Karibu Pharmaceuticals.
The Conference under the theme “Laboratories at a Crossroads: Charting a Sustainable Path Amid Disruptive Global Shifts,” Mr. Mubanga warned that fragile lab systems, exposed by COVID-19 and reagent shortages, continue to cost lives. He cited fatal diagnostic errors in Ireland and Angola to stress the urgency. He made four direct appeals to government:
- Create a standalone national budget line for laboratory services.
- Complete staff realignment and adopt patient-centred, equitable recruitment of qualified lab professionals.
- Build a clear career progression pathway up to consultant level.
- Streamline costly regulatory processes while maintaining quality.
Mr. Mubanga pledged full partnership with government and demanded permanent seats for laboratory experts at all health policy tables.
Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima represented by Southern Province Minister opened the BMSZ 2025 Conference, stressing that laboratories are now central to Zambia’s health security amid declining donor funding, rising antimicrobial resistance, and rapid technological shifts.
He highlighted government achievements such as multi-disease testing platforms, reagent-rental models, and standardized services, while promising a bigger 2026 budget, more recruitment and training of laboratory staff, local production of some laboratory supplies, and full implementation of a new national accreditation framework.
Declaring the conference open under the theme “Laboratories at a Crossroads,” the Minister called for united action to deliver accurate, timely and sustainable diagnostic services to every Zambian.
Ministry of Health Zambia
