Neftaly: Strengthening Integrated Laboratory Systems
At Neftaly (South African Youth Project), we recognize that laboratory services are essential to the early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of diseases such as HIV, TB, COVID-19, and other infectious and non-communicable diseases. A well-integrated laboratory system is the foundation of a responsive and resilient health system.
Our initiative focuses on strengthening and integrating laboratory systems to ensure efficiency, accessibility, quality, and sustainability across all levels of care — from primary clinics to national reference laboratories.
Program Objectives
- Build a cohesive, multi-disease laboratory network that supports integrated diagnostics.
- Improve infrastructure, equipment, and human capacity in laboratories at all levels.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and quality-assured diagnostic services across the health system.
- Promote data integration between laboratories and health management information systems (HMIS) for real-time surveillance and reporting.
Key Focus Areas
1. Infrastructure and System Integration
- Strengthening laboratory networks to allow shared resources for multiple disease testing (e.g., HIV, TB, COVID-19, malaria, NCDs).
- Supporting tiered lab systems that connect community, district, regional, and national labs.
- Upgrading lab infrastructure and supporting specimen referral systems.
2. Workforce Capacity Development
- Training laboratory technicians and technologists in multi-disease diagnostics, biosafety, and quality assurance.
- Building capacity in new diagnostic technologies, such as GeneXpert, PCR, and point-of-care testing.
- Supporting continuous professional development (CPD) and certification processes.
3. Quality Management and Accreditation
- Implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal quality controls.
- Supporting labs to achieve national and international accreditation standards (e.g., SADCAS, ISO 15189).
- Conducting regular external quality assessments (EQA) and mentorship visits.
4. Supply Chain and Equipment Management
- Supporting forecasting, procurement, and maintenance of lab supplies and equipment.
- Promoting efficient inventory management using electronic systems.
- Coordinating with national supply chains to avoid stockouts of reagents and consumables.
5. Data Integration and Surveillance
- Linking laboratory data to HMIS and disease surveillance platforms.
- Enabling real-time reporting and use of lab data for outbreak detection and response.
- Supporting digital tools for sample tracking, result dissemination, and data analysis.
Our Impact
- Supported integration of diagnostic services in 30+ health facilities and laboratories.
- Trained over 150 laboratory personnel in multi-disease diagnostics and quality assurance.
- Strengthened specimen referral and result turnaround in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
- Promoted use of laboratory data in clinical decision-making and program monitoring.
Why It Matters
Integrated laboratory systems reduce duplication, improve cost-efficiency, and enhance access to quality diagnostics. By building a unified, flexible lab infrastructure, we strengthen the health system’s ability to respond to both routine needs and public health emergencies.