In a decisive move to tackle one of the world’s most silent yet deadly health crises, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), and the European Union have officially launched the Advancing Regional Integrated Laboratory Capacity for AMR Control (ARILAC) initiative.
The four-year project is designed to bridge the continent’s massive diagnostic gap by strengthening microbiology laboratory systems, enhancing genomic surveillance, and fostering the integrated use of One Health data across Africa.
Closing the Diagnostic Divide
Africa currently faces a staggering deficit in medical diagnostics. A recent multi-country study revealed that out of 50,000 laboratories assessed, a mere 1.3% conduct routine testing for priority pathogens. This leaves over 261 million people without access to critical antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing.
“Without targeted investment, this gap is expected to widen as populations grow,” warned Dr. Yenew Kebede, Acting Director of the Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems at Africa CDC. “Only 20% of these laboratories currently use automated systems for pathogen identification, which limits timely diagnosis and weakens evidence-based treatment.”
Dr. Kebede noted that the ARILAC initiative responds directly to this crisis by modernizing laboratory networks and connecting local data to continental surveillance systems.
A Unified One Health Strategy
The project, part of the Team Europe Initiative on Sustainable Health Security, will focus its first 48 months on eight African Union Member States: Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Gabon, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
By adopting a One Health approach, ARILAC recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The initiative aims to upgrade laboratory infrastructure, improve equipment management, and enhance the technical skills of experts working across both human and veterinary sectors.
“The project will support laboratory assessments, updated surveillance guidelines, and mentorship,” stated Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, CEO of ASLM. “It will also improve biobanking capacity and expand access to automated systems for blood culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.”
Sustainability and Continental Ownership
The official launch took place following a high-level meeting on May 6-7, 2026, at the Africa CDC headquarters. Leaders emphasized that for the project to succeed, it must move beyond short-term goals and be integrated into the fabric of national healthcare funding.
Dr. Claudes Kamenga, Chief of Staff at Africa CDC, representing Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya, urged participating nations to take full ownership of the project. He stressed that laboratory systems must eventually be integrated into national budgets to ensure a long-term impact on public health.
Representing the European Union, Mr. Gianluca Azzoni reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to the partnership. “By investing in laboratory capacity and skilled professionals, the project will help Member States detect AMR earlier and act more effectively to protect lives and livelihoods,” he said.
Impact on Future Health Security
By the end of its four-year cycle, ARILAC is expected to have created a resilient and interconnected network of microbiology labs. This modernization is vital not just for daily clinical care, but for the continent’s broader preparedness for emerging health threats, ensuring that Africa can detect and respond to resistant superbugs before they become uncontrollable outbreaks.
Share this
