Accelerating the spread of laboratory quality improvement efforts in Botswana.

Background: In 2002, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Botswana began its journey toward laboratory accreditation in an effort to enhance the quality of laboratory services. After a difficult start, the MoH recognised the need for a more practical and sustainable method for change that could be implemented nationally; they therefore adopted the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme.

Objective: This study describes the process and lessons learned in implementing SLMTA and the role of supplemental training and mentoring so as to achieve Botswana's national laboratory quality improvement goal.