ABUJA, April 7 (MENA) - The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to combat malaria and strengthen diagnostic capacity.

This was announced by the council registrar Tosan Erhabor in Abuja on Monday after the two bodies signed the accord, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.

The MoU signified a major step forward in the shared mission to combat malaria and strengthen diagnostic capacity across the country, Erhabor said.

He added that “today, we are not just signing a document, we are formalizing a partnership that speaks to the very heart of public health — collaboration, innovation, and capacity building.”

“This MoU provides the framework for establishing a Training Laboratory for Malaria Microscopy at the MLSCN Public Health Laboratory in Abuja, using forty-two (42) state-of-the-art teaching microscopes generously provided by NMEP under the Global Fund's Grant Cycle 7 (GC-7),” he noted.

“This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions align their strengths,” he pointed out.

“While NMEP brings national coordination, resources and focus on malaria elimination, MLSCN will provide regulatory oversight, technical expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards in laboratory diagnostics,” Erhabor said.

The two bodies would lay the groundwork for sustainable training platform that would empower laboratory scientists with the skills needed for accurate malaria diagnosis, he emphasized.

“As we sign this agreement, I wish to assure you that MLSCN is fully committed to upholding responsibilities under this MoU,” he added.

Meanwhile, NMEP's National Coordinator Nnenna Ogbulafor said malaria remains one of the leading public health challenges in Nigeria.

In her speech on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Ogbulafor added that malaria is not only the source of increase in morbidity and mortality in the country, but also hindering economic progress and development.

According to her, recent rates, particularly in vulnerability statistics, reveal that the country is still grappling with high prevalence rates, especially among children and pregnant women.

“It is, therefore, imperative that we strengthen our capacities, enhance diagnostic capabilities and later innovation in our approach to malaria prevention,” she said.

According to her, the agreement will facilitate the development of standardized laboratory protocols, promote quality assurance in malaria diagnostics and enhance overall reliability of laboratory services. (MENA)

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