I am a Biomedical Laboratory Scientist. We are one of the largest groups of health-care professionals, and have a vital role in medicine and public health. We play a key role in diagnosis, quality development and assurance, research, and development of treatments for modern medicine.
The number of deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rose globally in 2010 by almost 34.5 million, while deaths caused by communicable diseases decreased. Data collected over the past 20 years by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows a significant increase in the number of people suffering fromNCDs (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, cancer and pulmonary diseases). The burden NCDs poses is expected to double in low- and middle-income countries within the next few decades. This increase in non communicable diseases suggests that a realignment of priorities is needed in which greater focus should be laid on curtailing the projected increase in NCDs.
The role of clinical laboratories and biomedical laboratory scientists is crucial to the effective management of NCDs. A Medical Laboratory Scientist works to provide accurate laboratory results in a timely manner. An estimated 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient’s; diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission, and discharge are based on laboratory test results.
In the management of NCDs, laboratory tests play a critical role in diagnosis and monitoring the impact of changes in diet and other risk factors. Good control of blood analyte levels, detected by laboratory tests, can delay or prevent NCDs and their complications. The clinical information that a medical laboratory scientist gives to the doctor influences the medical treatment a patient will receive. Laboratory tests are also essential in monitoring patients being treated to ensure the treatment accelerates patient’s recovery and well-being. Also, if there is need to alter the current treatment plan, clinical information from the laboratory scientist regarding the patient would have to be consulted.
However, it becomes necessary to state that there are some obstacles to NCDs Detection and Surveillance in Nigeria. Some of which are;
- Not prioritizing NCDs.
- Lack of infrastructure: There are very limited functional laboratories and a gross limitation in the availability of needed laboratory technology countrywide. Hence, delaying early detection. The majority of funding for scientific research, training and infrastructural development occur through support from high-income countries. It has been suggested that the influx of donations to support African research has had a negative impact in which relatively wealthy nations, like Nigeria, do not invest in funding to support biomedical research.
- Lack of workforce training capacity: There is need to develop an integrated, multilevel laboratory systems, with adequate human resources. The large migration of scientists and other highly educated professionals to high-income countries is of considerable significance. Nigeria as a country is then placed in a disadvantaged position for technology development because professionals are needed to develop, operate and maintain technologies and lead scientific endeavors.
In conclusion, there is hope that the predicted increase in non-communicable diseases in the coming years can be curtailed if the government strives towards the following;
– Provision of modern laboratory technologies and infrastructure to aid the accuracy and speed of laboratory results.
– Provision of adequate training to proficiently utilize modern laboratory equipments.
– Regulatory and quality assurance of laboratory departments so as to ensure efficient service delivery across various levels of the public health system to tackle the NCDs.
If this development is sustained, it provides an opportunity to alleviate the burden of non-communicable diseases through diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Maureen
Medtrix 