Strengthening Laboratory Systems for Quality, Reliability, and Impact
For many years, Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS) has played a steady but transformative role in strengthening laboratory services across Tanzania, building systems that ensure test results are accurate, trusted, and translated into timely patient care.
Working in close partnership with the Ministry of Health, THPS has pursued a clear and consistent objective of embedding quality at the centre of laboratory services. This has been achieved by strengthening Laboratory Quality Management Systems aligned with international standards, while ensuring they remain practical, sustainable, and locally owned.
From Quality Systems to International Accreditation
Through the Afya Hatua Project and the concluded Police and Prisons Project, THPS provided hands-on technical support to laboratory teams nationwide. This included on-site assessments, mentorship, internal audits, and targeted follow-up to close performance gaps.
Rather than treating quality as a checklist, this approach helped laboratories integrate quality improvement into everyday practice—strengthening teamwork, accountability, and confidence among laboratory professionals and the communities they serve.
The results are tangible. Eight laboratories have achieved full international accreditation under ISO 15189:2022, the global benchmark for medical laboratory quality and competence. Several more laboratories are now ready to formally apply for the accreditation process, demonstrating that the systems established are not only effective, but durable and locally sustained.
Step by Step, Star by Star
Guided by the WHO AFRO Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) framework, THPS supported laboratories through a structured, step-by-step improvement process. The programme strengthened leadership, daily work practices, documentation, and accountability which are key foundations of quality laboratory services.
Over time, laboratories steadily improved their performance and earned higher SLMTA star ratings. These stars represent more than compliance scores; they signal safer testing, more reliable results, and growing confidence among clinicians and patients as laboratories advance toward international standards.
Modern Infrastructure for Advanced Diagnostics
Beyond systems and skills, THPS through the U.S. President’s Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support has contributed to modernizing laboratory infrastructure to meet the growing demand for advanced diagnostics, particularly HIV Viral Load testing. Nine referral laboratories were renovated and upgraded to meet stringent quality, biosafety, and workflow requirements for molecular testing.
A major milestone was the comprehensive upgrade of the Bugando Medical Centre Molecular Laboratory. The facility was redesigned to international standards, featuring controlled access, pressure-regulated rooms with appropriate filtration, clearly defined workflow zones, and enhanced biosafety systems. Modern cold-chain and storage infrastructure now support high-volume, high-quality molecular testing, directly improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Expanding Access Through National Diagnostic Systems
THPS has also supported the Ministry of Health to strengthen access to laboratory services nationwide. Through support to the national Electronic Sample Referral System (e-SRS), more than 121 laboratory hubs were connected, enabling efficient sample transportation and faster results return to health facilities.
In parallel, THPS facilitated system integration between Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) and testing laboratories, reducing errors and accelerating result delivery. The transition of the national hub-and-spoke sample transportation system to the Tanzania Postal Corporation further strengthened sustainability and government ownership.
Building a Stronger Health System
Through sustained investment in people, systems, and infrastructure, THPS continues to expand access to quality diagnostics and support the delivery of accredited, sustainable laboratory services across Tanzania.
Behind every accredited laboratory is a stronger health system. Behind every reliable test result is a patient better served. And behind this progress is a long-term commitment to quality, one that THPS remains proud to advance, now and into the future in collaboration with our partners.
Rachel Mbaga
Dear THPS Team,
Thank you for sharing your web story with us. The platform is well-structured and clearly presents important information on health promotion and community engagement. We were impressed by the clarity of the content and the strong emphasis on improving public health outcomes in Tanzania. The website effectively reflects THPS’s commitment, innovation, and impact in the communities you serve. Congratulations to the entire team on such an excellent and informative website.
Best regards,