03/08/2026
Transforming Zambia's Digital Health Landscape: Empowering LIMS-DisaLab Super Users for Sustainable Impact
The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and with support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia – Transitioning and Integrating Laboratory Services (CIDRZ TRAILS), are conducting a national Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS-DisaLab) Super User Training from 27 July to 7 August 2026 at the Bioinformatics Training Centre, ZNPHI National Reference Laboratory in Lusaka.
Facilitated by APHL, the training has brought together laboratory and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) personnel from all 10 provinces to strengthen national capacity for the implementation, administration, support, and long-term sustainability of the LIMS-DisaLab platform. Participants are gaining advanced skills in system administration, troubleshooting, interoperability, user support, and laboratory information management to enhance the country's digital laboratory systems.
The training is aligned with Zambia's National Digital Health Strategy and the Interoperability Architectural Framework, reinforcing the country's commitment to digital transformation in healthcare. LIMS-DisaLab is currently deployed in more than 295 laboratories across Zambia and integrates with key national health information systems, including SmartCare Pro, eIDSR, eLabs, and the Public Health Security Information Management System (PHSIMS). This integration enables the timely, accurate, and secure exchange of laboratory data, strengthening patient care, disease surveillance, and evidence-based public health decision-making.
Officially opening the training, Mutinta Shisholeka, speaking on behalf of the Assistant Director for Pathology and Laboratory Services at the Ministry of Health, urged participants to go beyond providing technical support at their respective facilities and become champions of effective LIMS implementation and utilization across the country. She also commended cooperating partners for their continued investment in building a strong national network of DisaLab Super Users.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of the ZNPHI National Reference Laboratory, Prof. Edgar Simulundu, Idah Phiri reaffirmed the institute's commitment to strengthening laboratory systems through strategic partnerships. She acknowledged the continued collaboration between ZNPHI and APHL in advancing digital health innovations and improving laboratory information management in Zambia.
Meanwhile, Clement Phiri, APHL Zambia Country Director, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health, ZNPHI, CDC, and CIDRZ TRAILS for their continued collaboration and shared commitment to building sustainable laboratory information systems that enhance health service delivery.
By investing in cutting-edge digital technologies and developing a skilled workforce, Zambia continues to strengthen a resilient, integrated, and data-driven health system capable of delivering quality laboratory services and supporting timely public health action.