BMSZ2024 Scientific Conference and Professional Meeting

Dear Colleagues and Esteemed Guests,

With immense joy and anticipation, the Biomedical Society of Zambia (BMSZ) welcomes you to this year's conference themed "Strengthening Laboratory Systems: Resilience, Innovation, and Partnerships." Robust and adaptable laboratory systems are more critical than ever in a world grappling with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, climate change, and evolving healthcare needs. The theme resonates deeply with our times as we recognize laboratory systems' pivotal role in advancing healthcare amidst rapid change and unprecedented challenges.

We can't rely on once-off successes. The question is: How can we build resilience into our laboratory systems, ensuring they can rise to any clinical need and public health threat in the distant future? The need to forge strategic partnerships and embrace innovative approaches has never been more critical. This conference provides an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, networking, and fostering collaborations that will propel our profession forward and positively contribute to the world, aligning perfectly with BMSZ's shared vision "to be an impactful laboratory voice for a healthier world."

Our annual scientific conferences are pivotal events that unite local and international experts, senior government officials, regulators, industry leaders, and training institutions to address critical issues in laboratory medicine. We are genuinely excited about the discussions, presentations, and interactions that will unfold at this conference. We believe they will inspire all of us to push the boundaries of what's possible in laboratory systems and networks.

We are also thrilled to share that our invited speakers have been meticulously chosen to ensure that we all remain at the forefront of the biomedical field, equipped with knowledge about the latest advancements in our prestigious profession. This carefully curated selection of experts will help us all stay ahead of the curve in our rapidly evolving field.

To our sponsors and partners, thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to the Biomedical Society of Zambia's work. You are living examples of the partnerships that are essential for any meaningful human advancement.

We eagerly anticipate an enriching conference experience for all of us! Welcome to BMSZ2024!

Regards,

Mutale Mubanga

President | Biomedical Society of Zambia

There's a great opportunity for you to present your work at the upcoming BMSZ2024 Conference. Submit your abstracts by 7th October 2024 Central African Time (CAT). Abstract outcome notification: 25th October 2024. All submissions must be submitted via the link provided at the end of this page. All abstracts must be in English and should not exceed 300 words (title not counted). 

Abstract Metadata:

Title: Must not exceed 50 words 

Authors: Provide first and last names, affiliations, and countries. Underline the presenting author. Abstracts will be published in the order in which the authors appear in your submission. A maximum of 10 authors is permitted. Changes will not be allowed once the abstract has been submitted. Any conflict of interest should be declared. 

Abstract Structure:

1. Background: Give a brief description of the issue being addressed. 

2. Methods: Briefly describe the methodology used to arrive at the results.

3. Results: Summarise key findings of the work. Figures and tables are NOT allowed. 

4. Conclusion: What do the results mean for patient care, public health, and the practice of biomedical sciences?

Scientific Tracks

During submission, select a "Scientific Track" that is most related to the topic of your abstract. The Scientific Committee reserves the right to determine the final track of your abstract. Below is the list of tracks with guidance on the themes they aim to cover:

1. Building Resilient Laboratory Systems:

• Disaster preparedness and response in laboratory settings.
• Strengthening supply chains and resource management.
• Quality management systems and accreditation for resilience.
• The role of technology in ensuring laboratory continuity.

2. Fostering Innovation in Laboratory Diagnostics:

• Point-of-care testing and its impact on healthcare delivery.
• Molecular diagnostics and genomics for disease surveillance.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in laboratories.
• Telemedicine and remote laboratory services.

3. Partnerships for Sustainable Laboratory Systems:

• Public-private partnerships for laboratory systems and networks.
• Academic and industry partnerships for training, research and capacity building.
• Engaging civil society and communities in laboratory services.

4. One Health Approach to Laboratory Systems:

• Zoonotic disease surveillance and the role of laboratories.
• Antimicrobial resistance monitoring and the One Health perspective.
• Environmental health and laboratory testing.
• Practical approaches for integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors in laboratory systems and networks.

5. Laboratory Workforce Development and Capacity Building:

• Training and mentorship programs for laboratory professionals.
• Career development pathways for laboratory professionals
• Addressing workforce shortages and skill gaps.
• Leadership and management training for laboratory professionals.

6. Laboratory Policy and Regulation:

• Harmonization of laboratory standards and practice.
• Regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.
• Emerging ethical issues in laboratory medicine.

Abstract submissions will be processed by the BMSZ2024 Scientific Committee through a peer-review process. The number of abstracts accepted is limited to the slots available. Particular attention will be paid to the significance of the findings and the quality of the submitted paper. Abstracts should follow the prescribed structure, and deviations from that may lead to rejection. Ensure the correctness of the abstract submitted as BMSZ will not edit any submitted work. Any errors will be reproduced as submitted by the author.

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT​

Watch last year's BMSZ2023 highlights​ here...