SIMBLE stakeholder meeting on local production of biomedical products in Cotonou

One of the most important achievements of the SIMBLE project has been the successful proof of concept for local production of culture media in Cotonou. To further raise awareness on the need to simplify the supply chain for bacteriology laboratories in low- and middle-income countries, we invited national and international stakeholders to Cotonou, including the Ministry of Health of Benin and the Belgian Embassy.

In the morning sessions, we first listened to the vision and plans of WHO, ASLM, Global Fund, and Africa CDC to improve access to bacteriology testing. Afterwards, to demonstrate the feasibility of setting up local production, some practical examples from Spain, Cambodia, Kenya, and Benin were presented. The afternoon focused on market access and the economics of making local production sustainable. The day was concluded with an interesting expert panel bringing all those topics together and exploring future possibilities.

Local production workshop with AMR surveillance partners

Inspired by the stakeholder meeting the day before, our AMR surveillance partners from Burkina Faso, Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mozambique and Ethiopia organised a workshop to explore the possibilities for setting up local production in their countries and laboratories.

Building on the successful examples of Benin and Kenya, participants drafted plans while also reflecting on challenges and potential threats. The workshop was not only a space for exchanging ideas, but also an important opportunity to strengthen networks and forge new collaborations.

Simplified Blood Culture System (SIMBLE)

With the SIMBLE project, we want to introduce better adapted diagnostics in Sub-Saharan Africa.