A university lecturer from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has called for the establishment of more advanced laboratories across the country.
This is in order to enable testing for emerging disease outbreaks.
Anthony Gathu, noted that Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) laboratory was the only one in the country that could offer advanced testing such as that of the deadly Ebola disease.
Speaking at Thika Level Five Hospital in Thika on Friday during a one day workshop for teaching and working laboratory technicians, the lecturer underscored the need for the establishment of P3 level laboratories in various regions across the country which is adequately equipped.
“Nowadays, any specimen requiring specialised testing has to be taken to Kemri labs due to lack of other advanced labs in the country. This is a waste especially when seasonal diseases unexpectedly arise,” said Gathu.
Gathu who was joined by a group of technicians from other medical teaching colleges and universities in Kiambu County urged the government to set aside funds for establishing P3 facility laboratories in various regions in the country to be able to test for any disease outbreaks.
“The government should consider establishing P3 facility laboratories in various regions in the country for testing disease outbreaks,” said Gathu.