ASLM 5th Genomic Sequencing CoP ECHO session on Bridging the cost divide in Genomic Sequencing: actionable strategies for manufacturers, suppliers and users to achieve affordable and equitable access. 

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) organizes the 5th Genomic Sequencing CoP ECHO session on Bridging the cost divide in Genomic Sequencing: actionable strategies for manufacturers, suppliers and users to achieve affordable and equitable access. 

Date: 28th of May, 2025

Time: 4PM East Africa Time 

Location: Online

Session Overview

Genomic sequencing (GS) has revolutionized healthcare and become an essential component for disease surveillance and research. However, the high cost of Genomic Sequencing equipment and associated maintenance expenses, reagents, and consumables have been profiled by stakeholders as one of the key challenges in the procurement and supply management (PSM) of these resources across African countries. In this session will be joined by Manufacturers/Suppliers and Users of GS commodities to contextualize this challenge and the obstacles therein, and explore practical-actionable solutions to address this challenge for sustainable genomic capabilities across the continent. Presenters and panelists will, in particular, share insights on how new innovations and potential alternative approaches can be implemented to make the acquisition and maintenance of GS equipment affordable. Additionally, the session will highlight field experiences from procurement experts, logisticians, manufacturers/suppliers, and GS country representatives on the ongoing efforts to address this challenge and share insights on opportunities in the current market.

Key Discussion Points

1. Transforming PSM from a bottleneck into a catalyst for equitable access to GS technologies  

• Context of PSM for GS Equipment, reagents, and consumables. 
• Field experiences: challenges and opportunities, funder collaboration, and strategic innovations

2. Panel discussion

• GS Manufacturers/Suppliers share stand viewpoints based on field experiences, and propose potential actionable and practical solutions.
• Users feedback.

3. Expected Session Outcomes

• A clearly contextualized profile of the challenge on the high cost of GS equipment and commodities

Target Audience:

• GS Laboratory Managers and Policymakers.
• GS Equipment Suppliers, Manufacturers, and Channel Partners.
• Donors, Funders, and procurers of GS equipment and commodities

Moderator: 

• Nyasha Sithole, Project Coordinator, ASLM

Presenter: 

• Mr. Runyowa Newton, Business Development Director, IMC-Africa

Clcik here to register.