Programme - ASLM2021

The ASLM2021 Scientific Programme is articulated around three themes:

Theme 1

The Outbreak Effect

Laboratory Response and Lessons Learnt

Ownership, Partnership and Innovation

Each day is dedicated to a particular theme, which will be kicked off during the day’s plenary session and further elaborated through special sessions, symposia and round tables delivered by invited speakers. The daily programme will be completed by abstract–driven sessions presented under 5 scientific tracks for each respective theme.

Programme at a Glance

The Programme at a Glance gives a bird’s-eye view of all conference activities from the Opening Ceremony to the Closing Session.

Take a look at our dynamic Program at a Glance by choosing one of the options below. Please check back often as we continue to update it with new information.

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Theme 1

The Outbreak Effect

The Outbreak Effect (16 November), will explore the threats and various consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics on our health systems. The various speakers and experts will describe the damage caused by outbreaks and epidemics, particularly in the context where laboratory systems are still very much under construction in many parts of Africa. A light will be shed on the importance of Africa to ‘multitask’ and remain prepared at all times to prevent and respond to all disease threats. Under this theme, we will review how we can use past and emerging crises as opportunities to leap frog the development of health services in general and laboratory systems in particular.

Theme 2

Laboratory Response and Lessons Learnt

The Laboratory Response and Lessons Learnt (17 November), will highlight the best practices and solutions from Africa and around the world, which have contributed to a relatively effective response to the COVID-19 and other epidemics. We will discuss how those best practices and success stories have the potential to be turned into powerful policies and guidance to continuously improve our preparedness to outbreak response. In this session, we will reflect on ways to transition effective emergency responses into routine processes, and what should be the long term priorities to build versatile laboratory systems that are capable of supporting universal health coverage and African health security.

Theme 3

Ownership, Partnership and Innovation

The Ownership Partnerships and Innovation (18 November), will explore how African laboratory and health systems can move forward to be better prepared, faster and more effective, and respond to disease threats more equitably in routine and emergency situations. In this session, the speakers will craft a way forward based on how future trends in laboratory medicine, mobilising communities and civil society, and bringing industry and manufacturing to the continent can revolutionise laboratory and diagnostic systems in Africa. We will discuss the new partnerships, investment areas and mind sets that are required to establish resilient laboratory systems in support of Africa-led health agendas and aligned with the ‘new public health order’ proposed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.