Posted on: Thu 11-04-2024

The West African Medical Laboratory Industry is poised for another exciting event this year, as Medlab West Africa, known for bringing together the region’s largest gathering of laboratory professionals, is set to hold from April 22 to 24, 2024 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. In this interview with Sunday Ehigiator, the Conference Director at Informa Markets, Rejoy Penacerrada, dives deeper into what attendees can expect at the Medlab West Africa 2024, exploring the event’s focus on fostering collaboration, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and propelling the careers of laboratory professionals across West Africa

Medlab West Africa returns as the leading platform for the medical laboratory industry in West Africa.  What sets this edition apart and what exciting developments can attendees anticipate?

We are thrilled to bring back Medlab West Africa as the premier platform for the medical laboratory industry in West Africa! This year’s edition is truly special for several reasons.

As the largest gathering of laboratory professionals in the region’s history, we are expecting over 3,500 attendees from across West Africa, alongside 150+ exhibitors representing 30+ countries. This will create an unparalleled opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

In addition, our focus on showcasing cutting-edge advancements in laboratory technology is stronger than ever.

Attendees can expect to explore the latest innovations across eight diverse product categories, giving them a glimpse into the future of medical diagnostics. But Medlab West Africa is much more than just an expo. We’re building a platform for shaping the entire future of West African medical laboratories.

So, if you’re looking to connect with colleagues, discover the latest technologies, and gain insights from the brightest minds in the field, Medlab West Africa 2024 is the event for you. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of something truly transformative!

How does the partnership with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) influence the conference program, ensuring its relevance to local needs, and ultimately benefit laboratory professionals in Nigeria and across West Africa?

Our partnership with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) is crucial in shaping the Medlab West Africa Congress into a platform that directly addresses the needs of laboratory professionals in Nigeria and across the region.

MLSCN brings a wealth of knowledge about the specific challenges and opportunities faced by laboratory professionals in Nigeria.

They play a key role in advising on the conference program, ensuring it covers the most pressing issues relevant to the West African context, and regulations specific to Nigeria. By incorporating their insights, we can guarantee the content resonates with the daily realities of our attendees.

MLSCN also helps us strike a balance between addressing local needs and maintaining an international perspective. We can explore best practices from around the world while tailoring them to the specific resource constraints or disease burdens faced in West Africa.

This ensures attendees gain practical knowledge they can implement immediately in their labs, while also staying up-to-date on global advancements in the field.

Ultimately, by partnering with MLSCN, Medlab West Africa has become a conference that is truly ‘by and for’ laboratory professionals in Nigeria and West Africa.

It will empower them with the knowledge and connections they need to excel in their field, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare delivery across the region.

As the largest annual gathering of laboratory professionals in West Africa, Medlab plays a crucial role in driving advancements in the field. Can you elaborate on how the conference specifically contributes to progress in medical laboratory science across the region?

Medlab West Africa isn’t just about bringing together the largest number of laboratory professionals in West Africa, it’s about creating a space where knowledge exchange and collaboration spark true progress.

The Congress offers a platform for renowned regional and international experts to share their cutting-edge research and best practices. This exposure to diverse perspectives and the latest advancements allows attendees to refine their skills and implement them back in their labs, thereby elevating the quality of medical laboratory services across the region.

Furthermore, the ultimate goal of Medlab is to foster connections. By bringing together professionals from various institutions and countries, the conference facilitates valuable networking.

These connections can lead to collaborations on research projects, sharing of resources, and the development of new, standardized approaches to diagnostics. This collaborative spirit is instrumental in driving innovation in medical laboratory science.

Finally, Medlab strongly emphasises continuing professional development (CPD) through its accredited conferences. These sessions equip attendees with the latest knowledge and techniques, ensuring they stay abreast of the rapidly evolving field.

This focus on ongoing education empowers them to provide more accurate diagnoses and contribute to better patient outcomes throughout West Africa.

Collaboration and knowledge exchange are vital for progress. How will the six distinct conference tracks facilitate interaction and sharing between experts, professionals, and researchers from diverse fields?

At Medlab West Africa, we understand that breakthroughs happen at the intersection of disciplines. That’s why our six distinct conference tracks; Clinical Microbiology & Parasitology, Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Clinical Chemistry, Lab Management and Quality, Anatomical Pathology, and Molecular Diagnostics;  are designed to foster a vibrant exchange of knowledge between a diverse range of laboratory professionals.

Each track will feature presentations and discussions led by renowned experts, but the true magic happens in between sessions.

By dedicating space for facilitated networking sessions and poster presentations, we create opportunities for attendees from various backgrounds to connect, share their experiences, and forge new collaborations.

Furthermore, our conference program is carefully curated to encourage cross-track attendance. We’ll be hosting panel discussions that bridge disciplines, allowing attendees to see the bigger picture and understand how their specific area of expertise fits into the broader medical laboratory ecosystem.

With attendees from across West Africa, how will Medlab West Africa cater to the diverse needs and interests of laboratory professionals from countries with varying healthcare infrastructure?

Our program offers a variety of tracks designed to cater to the specific challenges and advancements present in different healthcare infrastructure levels. We’ll have sessions focused on cutting-edge technologies and best practices in specialized areas for attendees from countries with established lab systems.

Meanwhile, participants from developing nations will have access to workshops on essential lab techniques, proper equipment maintenance, and navigating budgetary constraints.

No matter their background, all attendees will benefit from plenary lectures featuring leading international experts. Additionally, our dedicated exhibition hall will showcase the latest equipment and resources from global suppliers, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn about innovations that can improve their labs.

Medlab West Africa fosters a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, empowering laboratory professionals across West Africa to enhance healthcare delivery in their respective countries.

Lastly, networking is crucial for professional growth. How will Medlab West Africa facilitate networking opportunities for attendees from across West Africa?

All discussions have also been designed to be interactive, encouraging attendees to share ideas and experiences. This collaborative environment is perfect for building relationships with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities.

Moreover, our online platform allows attendees to connect and share information even before the conference begins. This fosters pre-existing connections that can blossom further during the event itself.

By combining dedicated spaces, interactive sessions, and a robust online platform, Medlab West Africa will be a catalyst for lasting professional relationships across the region.

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