Abstract:
Background: There is a severe healthcare workforce shortage in sub Saharan Africa, which threatens achieving the
Millennium Development Goals and attaining an AIDS-free generation. The strength of a healthcare system
depends on the skills, competencies, values and availability of its workforce. A well-trained and competent
laboratory technologist ensures accurate and reliable results for use in prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of
diseases.
Methods: An assessment of existing preservice education of five medical laboratory schools, followed by remedial
intervention and monitoring was conducted. The remedial interventions included 1) standardizing curriculum and
implementation; 2) training faculty staff on pedagogical methods and quality management systems; 3) providing
teaching materials; and 4) procuring equipment for teaching laboratories to provide practical skills to complement
didactic education.
Results: A total of 2,230 undergraduate students from the five universities benefitted from the standardized
curriculum. University of Gondar accounted for 252 of 2,230 (11.3%) of the students, Addis Ababa University for 663
(29.7%), Jimma University for 649 (29.1%), Haramaya University for 429 (19.2%) and Hawassa University for 237
(10.6%) of the students. Together the universities graduated 388 and 312 laboratory technologists in 2010/2011 and
2011/2012 academic year, respectively. Practical hands-on training and experience with well-equipped laboratories
enhanced and ensured skilled, confident and competent laboratory technologists upon graduation.
Conclusions: Strengthening preservice laboratory education is feasible in resource-limited settings, and
emphasizing its merits (ample local capacity, country ownership and sustainability) provides a valuable source of
competent laboratory technologists to relieve an overstretched healthcare system.
