Medical laboratories are crucial

Well-functioning, sustainable laboratory services are essential for both clinical care and public health. Laboratories are the eyes and ears of the health system. Reliable test results form the foundation for evidence-based disease control, effective surveillance, and timely, appropriate patient treatment. 

High quality laboratory services are therefore not optional - they are fundamental. Strong laboratories and well-coordinated laboratory networks ensure that accurate and reliable diagnostic services are accessible to the entire population.

The reality, however, is often different. In many countries, medical laboratories have suffered from decades of underinvestment and neglect. Weak laboratory services erode trust in test results, leading clinicians to overlook or underutilize laboratory data in their diagnostic decision-making.

When laboratory results are not fully considered, misdiagnoses occur and outbreaks may be detected too late. The consequences are significant: preventable human suffering and the inefficient use of already limited resources.

Neglect of the laboratory sector fuels mistrust, and mistrust further deepens neglect - creating a persistent negative spiral.

Our mission

We are committed to breaking this cycle. Learn more about how we work - and who we are.