Africa CDC and ASLM Conduct Pre-Award Assessment at Landsat ICT Solutions for NIMS Project Implementation

Kampala, Uganda – January 15^th 2023. In a significant step towards enhancing laboratory information management across Africa, representatives from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) recently visited the offices of Landsat ICT Solutions in Kampala, Uganda. The purpose of the visit was to conduct a pre-award assessment for the implementation of the Laboratory Network Information Management System (NIMS) project.

The Network Information Management System (NIMS) is an integrated information management system for sample referral, logistics and training management for the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative network. The NIMS platform will comprise eight key modules, each tailored to address specific aspects of laboratory management:

1. Sample Referral: Tracks the shipment of samples, both within countries and across borders, ensuring their integrity during transit.
2. Quality Management System: Monitors the implementation and improvement of quality standards within the laboratory network, including the management of External Quality Assessment (EQA) providers and result tracking.
3. Equipment and Inventory: Manages the ordering, delivery, and consumption of laboratory supplies such as reagents and equipment, and forecasts future needs.
4. Training and Workforce Development: Organizes training events, materials, and evaluations, and maintains a database of trainers and trainees.
5. Document Management: Serves as a repository for essential documents, including Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), custom invoices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and manuals.
6. Network Management: Facilitates the management of network members across Africa.
7. User Management: Handles user roles, permissions, and related services.
8. Help Desk: Provides a platform for network members to make inquiries and receive timely feedback.

During the visit, the Africa CDC and ASLM teams engaged with Landsat ICT Solutions to assess the company’s capabilities and readiness to implement the NIMS project. The discussions focused on the technical requirements, implementation strategies, and potential challenges associated with deploying such a system in Africa.