title: Laboratory equipment maintenance: a critical bottleneck for strengthening health systems in sub-Saharan Africa?
abstract: Properly functioning laboratory equipment is a critical component for strengthening health systems in developing countries. The laboratory can be an entry point to improve population health and care of individuals for targeted diseases - prevention, care, and treatment of TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria, plus maternal and neonatal health - as well as those lacking specific attention and funding. We review the benefits and persistent challenges associated with sustaining laboratory equipment maintenance. We propose equipment management policies as well as a comprehensive equipment maintenance strategy that would involve equipment manufacturers and strengthen local capacity through pre-service training of biomedical engineers. Strong country leadership and commitment are needed to assure development and sustained implementation of policies and strategies for standardization of equipment, and regulation of its procurement, donation, disposal, and replacement.
authors.affiliation: Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PO Box 1014 Entoto Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. fonjungop@et.cdc.gov
authors.forename: Peter N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Fonjungo
authors.forename: Yenew
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kebede
authors.forename: Tsehaynesh
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Messele
authors.forename: Gonfa
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ayana
authors.forename: Gudeta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tibesso
authors.forename: Almaz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abebe
authors.forename: John N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Nkengasong
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kenyon
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D003906:Developing Countries; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006295:Health Resources; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000193:education*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*