REACH Ethiopia, with funding from USAID and the Stop TB Partnership, is spearheading the iNTP 2.0 Connectivity Project to fortify Ethiopia’s national TB laboratory system. The project’s main goal is to build a sustainable LabXpert connectivity system by fostering local ownership within the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI).
The initiative aims to address previous implementation challenges and expand connectivity to over 1,000 diagnostic instruments, targeting a connectivity rate of 90%. By doing this, the project will strengthen Ethiopia’s national and regional TB laboratory networks. Key objectives include enhancing local capacity for sustainability, supporting new and existing diagnostic instruments, and improving the use of LabXpert for monitoring the TB laboratory network.
Training to Build Local Expertise
To support these goals, a seven-day training on the “LabXpert Connectivity System Upgrade and Software Customization” was successfully held from July 28 to August 3, 2025, in Adama City. This collaborative program included the MOH, EPHI, and UNICEF, with training provided by MedX International Ltd.
The training focused on upgrading the LabXpert system and customizing the software. The objective was to certify and enhance the proficiency of local software engineers and IT experts from EPHI and REACH Ethiopia. The training covered LabXpert software maintenance, troubleshooting, and long-term sustainability, ensuring ownership by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute.
The training concluded successfully with the certification of ten professionals: three software engineers, six IT experts, and one data analyst. This marks a significant step towards a more robust and sustainable TB diagnostic network in Ethiopia.