African Nations Receive Shipment of Microscopes to Improve Cancer Diagnostics

ASCP, in collaboration with BVGH and Burkitt’s Lymphoma Fund for Africa, is in the process of delivering 28 much-needed microscopes, donated by Quest Diagnostics, to aid key medical centers in Africa in diagnosing cancer and training the next generation of pathologists and laboratory professionals.

“Microscopes are always needed in Africa,” said ASCP Chief Medical Officer Dan A. Milner, MD, MSc(Epi), FASCP, MBA. “They are expensive and so there is a shortage. This donation by Quest will help expand both diagnostic and training capacity that these healthcare institutions need to improve cancer care.”

The initiative began in 2021 when Quest reached out to ASCP about the possibility of donating 28 microscopes to health systems in other countries where there was a need. “ASCP was responsible for identifying the recipients and managing the process. The Society reached out to BVGH, which whom it has a collaboration,” Dr. Milner said.

Ultimately, the microscopes have been or are in the process of being delivered to 13 sites in Kenya, Uganda, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria. Most are teaching hospitals where they will be useful for diagnostic programs as well as educational training. By working with its partner organizations, ASCP was able to identify institutions that were in need and really motivated to receive the microscopes.  

“This close collaboration involving ASCP, Quest Diagnostics, Burkitt's Lymphoma Fund for Africa, Bioventures for Global Health, and our African partners from four different countries is an outstanding example of how a public-private partnership involving highly committed participants can successfully navigate a logistically-complex undertaking to achieve a substantial public health benefit,” said Steven J. Kussick, MD, PhD, Managing Director, PhenoPath, a Quest Diagnostics Company, and a board member the Burkitt's Lymphoma Fund for Africa.

“I hope that this donation and delivery of 28 high-quality microscopes represents the first of a series of similar collaborations moving forward,” Dr. Kussick added.