ABM-Togo: To Establish West Africa Medical Biology Federation

• The Association des Biologistes Médicaux du Togo (ABM-Togo) will host an international medical biology congress in Lomé from September 15-19, 2026.
• The congress aims to establish an ABM-Togo West Africa medical biology federation and will address training, research, epidemic control, and health system integration.
• Key objectives include pooling skills, harmonizing practices, and advocating for better institutional integration of medical biology into health policies.
• Discussions will also focus on renewing knowledge, harmonizing curricula, and facilitating the recognition of qualifications and free movement for medical biologists in West Africa.
• Participants will explore strengthening supplier relationships for laboratory equipment and bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in healthcare.

A central objective of the event is to establish the groundwork for an ABM-Togo West Africa medical biology federation, fostering greater collaboration and standardization.

The Association des Biologistes Médicaux du Togo (ABM-Togo) is spearheading an initiative to redefine the future of medical biology across West Africa, culminating in an international congress scheduled for September 15-19, 2026, in Lomé. This significant gathering aims to unlock fresh opportunities for the profession, drawing participation from sixteen countries across the sub-region. A central objective of the event is to establish the groundwork for an ABM-Togo West Africa medical biology federation, fostering greater collaboration and standardization.

Discussions at the congress will revolve around critical areas including professional training, scientific research, strategies for combating epidemics, and enhancing the integration of medical biology within national health systems. Dr. Kossi Kabo, President of ABM-Togo, articulated the overarching goal: to consolidate expertise and standardize practices throughout the continent in response to pressing health challenges. He emphasized the fundamental role of medical biology in providing definitive diagnoses, stating that the discipline is crucial for confirming, clarifying, and understanding the nature of diseases.

A key focus for the upcoming congress is the institutional embedding of medical biology within public health policies. Dr. Kabo has advocated for a stronger governmental recognition and integration of the discipline, aiming for its principles to be more deeply rooted in national health strategies. The congress is expected to yield concrete resolutions addressing the demand for skilled professionals, the development of robust training programs, and methods to amplify medical biology's contribution to the entire healthcare delivery chain.

Furthermore, the agenda places significant emphasis on professional development and cross-border mobility. Dr. Efui Holaly Gbekley, who oversees education, training, and scientific research for ABM-Togo, underscored the necessity for continuous knowledge updates and the harmonization of curricula across the West African region. The long-term vision includes facilitating the mutual recognition of qualifications and ensuring the free movement of medical biologists, thereby creating a more integrated and responsive regional workforce.

Beyond professional development and policy, the congress will also tackle the practical and material requirements essential for effective laboratory operations. M. Takai, the General Treasurer of ABM-Togo, highlighted the critical need to strengthen relationships with suppliers of reagents and equipment, which are indispensable for maintaining functional and efficient medical laboratories. This focus underscores the foundational infrastructure required to support advanced biological analysis.

A significant ambition for the professionals involved is to forge stronger links between academic research and its practical application in healthcare. Dr. Kabo noted that while universities in Togo are actively generating valuable knowledge and potential solutions, their practical deployment and valorization remain limited. Consequently, the congress seeks to build robust bridges between health professionals, researchers, institutions, and various stakeholders within the sector, ensuring that scientific discoveries translate effectively into improved patient care and public health outcomes.

Source: Original reporting via {source}