More than 25 laboratory scientists have participated in a three-day training on laboratory equipment maintenance organized by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in Abuja.
The training featured presentations and practical sessions on the proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment including bio-safety cabinet, auto clave, centrifuge, incubators, amongst others.
According to IHVN Senior Bio-Tech Engineer, Mr. Ayobami Olatokun, participants were drawn from health facilities in the six geo-political zones of the country being supported by FLEMING fund, to implement an anti-microbial resistance (AMR) program.
“The facility staff are learning how to operate and maintain equipment for smooth running for the AMR program,” he said.
In an address, IHVN Senior Technical Advisor, Dr Sam Peters, urged the laboratory scientists to step down the training they have received.
“Do not be selfish with what you have learned. Teach those working with you too. That way, we can build the capacity of the country to better handle equipment,” he said.
One of the participants, Principal Medical Laboratory Scientist at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Agnes Okor, described the training as educative.
“We have been working on these equipment without handling them properly and this has affected the result of our work. The training has opened my eyes to a lot of things,” she said.
Participants were drawn from University College Hospital, Ibadan; Nigeria Center for Disease Control; National Hospital, Abuja; Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso; and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.
