The Southern African Development Community Accreditation Services (SADCAS) awarded certificates of recognition to six Malawian medical laboratories, including Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust’s laboratory, for attaining high standards of operations.

The accreditation award ceremony took place in Lilongwe on 19 July 2021, and it was presided over by the Minister of Health Honourable Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda.

Honourable Chiponda said the accreditation of the laboratories is one way of demonstrating competence to patients, the government, implementing partners and donors. She also acknowledged MLW’s efforts towards health research and pointed out the enormous help that the institution has provided to the Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The accreditation is a win for the country as laboratories are being faced with new challenges in the wake of COVID-19. The country requires continuous response to the pandemic with the ability to accurately test and contact trace. Achieving accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is a key component in addressing the pandemic,” said Chiponda.

MLW’s Quality Assurance Manager Joshua Kaphika said the ISO15189:2012 accreditation means that MLW laboratory will now be an internationally credible and trusted centre for various lab results.

“The accreditation is a great boost to our operations. It will increase the trust and confidence that our stakeholders have towards us. The Laboratory personnel will be conducting their work with great confidence knowing that they are producing high-quality results,” said Kaphika.

The SADCAS provides credible, cost-effective, accreditation services for SADC Member States aimed at supporting trade, enhance the protection of consumers and the environment.

Assistant Laboratory Manager George Selemani receiving the Award from the Minister of Health