ASLM2023 Set to Take Place as In-Person Event in December at South Africa

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Jul 2023

Image: ASLM 2023 will take place from 12-15 December 2023 at Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa (Photo courtesy of ASLM)

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), a leading pan-African organization committed to advancing laboratory medicine and healthcare, has announced that its much-anticipated ASLM2023 conference will be held from 12 – 15 December 2023 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa. This groundbreaking in-person event signifies a crucial turning point as ASLM's first face-to-face conference post-COVID-19, bringing together over 1200 professionals, experts, and researchers to examine the transformative potential of laboratory medicine and reshape Africa's healthcare future.

ASLM consistently champions the crucial role of laboratory medicine in African healthcare. Collaborating with key global, regional, and country stakeholders, the organization strengthens laboratory and diagnostic services and networks, ensuring global laboratory and diagnostic agendas mirror the country’s needs and priorities. ASLM implements targeted, multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder interventions based on evidence, globally accepted best practices, and standards. Moreover, ASLM serves as an important advocate for laboratory professionals in Africa, facilitating technical assistance provision by African experts.

Under the theme "Shaping Laboratory Systems and Diagnostic Services for the 21st Century: Embracing Change," the ASLM2023 conference will delve into innovative strategies to redefine laboratory medicine and healthcare in Africa. The conference will kick off with an opening ceremony on 12 December, followed by a three-day scientific program. Day 1 will examine the challenges and opportunities being faced by laboratory medicine in the 21st century. Day 2 will investigate emerging solutions designed to adapt to the dynamic field of laboratory medicine. Day 3 will concentrate on the path towards transforming laboratory medicine for this century. The conference will assemble experts from Africa and beyond to share their knowledge and experience. Activities will include plenary lectures, symposia, round tables, abstract-driven oral and poster sessions, exhibitions, and workshops.

ASLM2023 will have an impressive line-up of speakers, including Ambassador Dr. John Nkengasong, former Director of Africa CDC and the current US Global AIDS Coordinator for PEPFAR who will be presenting the ASLM2023 keynote speech and sharing invaluable insights from his more than 30 years of experience as public health leader. Among those leading the conference as co-chairs are Dr. Kamy Chetty, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa, and Professor Abderrahmane Maaroufi, Director of the Institut Pasteur, Morocco. The scientific co-chairs are Dr. Pascale Ondoa, Director of Science and New Initiatives at ASLM, and Professor Iruka Okeke, Professor at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

“As a pan-African professional society, ASLM effectively coordinates and mobilizes various actors to enhance local access to world-class diagnostic services, ensuring the health of African communities,” said Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, CEO of ASLM, emphasizing the organization’s commitment. “Through this conference, we aim to bring together professionals, experts, and researchers in laboratory medicine to discuss advancements, share knowledge, and collaborate on addressing healthcare challenges in Africa.”

“We are excited to host the ASLM2023 conference in South Africa, and welcome all participants to Cape Town,” said Dr. Chetty. “This event offers a valuable platform for laboratory medicine professionals to come together, share insights, and shape the future of diagnostic services in Africa.”

“Nowhere else can you find an event of this caliber, which aspires to define the foundations of a new model for Africa’s medical laboratory systems for this century,” said Prof Maaroufi. “It’s an honor to co-chair ASLM2023 with Dr. Chetty and get the opportunity to share information and ideas with our colleagues from around the world.”

Related Links:
ASLM