Partnering for Better Health: Quality Diagnostics for More Than 340,000 People

Access to reliable diagnostic services remains a major challenge for many healthcare facilities in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Limited laboratory infrastructure and shortages of qualified personnel often lead to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses, with serious consequences for patients suffering from diseases such as cancer, malaria, and tuberculosis. Supported by Sartorius, the action medeor project Jambo Labs establishes lasting laboratory structures that enable faster and more reliable diagnoses, ultimately improving patient care. 

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The project has already delivered significant results: More than 340,000 patients have already benefited from improved medical diagnostics through Jambo Labs following the modernization of six laboratories across Tanzania and Zanzibar by action medeor and local healthcare institutions.

In 2025, the Jambo Labs project received support through Sartorius’ annual “Donations Instead of Gifts” initiative, with a contribution of €60,000. The funding was used to expand laboratory capacities at six partner hospitals, provide modern diagnostic equipment, further develop quality management systems, and strengthen the qualifications of laboratory professionals through targeted training. The result: more tests, faster diagnoses, and better access to targeted treatment. 

action medeor and Sartorius share the common goal of contributing to better health for more people. We have been supporting the work of the aid organization for around eleven years. This has enabled us to promote various projects around the world.

Michael Grosse, CEO of Sartorius

Modern Laboratories for Better Healthcare

Today, all six Jambo Labs laboratories are fully operational and use digital laboratory management solutions to make processes more efficient, transparent, and reliable.

A key pillar of the project is the continuous development of lab personnel. Over the course of the project, more than 120 healthcare personnel have received comprehensive training. The focus has not only been on technical skills but also on securing that newly acquired knowledge is embedded in daily practice. Regular in-house training sessions help maintain and further develop these competencies over the long term, ensuring lasting improvements in laboratory services and patient care.

Measurable Progress Across All Sites

The success of the project is clearly visible in the laboratories' performance data. One of the project’s key objectives is to increase patient numbers and test volumes by 50 percent compared with 2023 levels. While each laboratory has developed at its own pace, all six laboratories have achieved significant improvements since the project began.

Our partnership with Sartorius is built on a shared commitment to improving access to quality healthcare. Through initiatives such as Jambo Labs, we are working together to strengthen diagnostic services and ensure that more people can benefit from life-saving medical care.

Dr. Angela Zeithammer, Executive Board Member, Fundraising and Communications, action medeor

One of the project's most remarkable success stories comes from Chake Chake Hospital on Zanzibar. There, the number of laboratory tests performed has more than tripled, while patient numbers have more than doubled. As a result, the lab has evolved into a regional reference center.

The Huruma Hospital laboratory in Tanzania has also achieved remarkable results. Testing volumes have increased by almost 100 percent, and a new histopathology department has been established, significantly strengthening local cancer diagnostics. In recognition of these achievements, the laboratory was honored as the hospital’s best-performing department during this year’s Huruma Day celebrations. Most recently, the laboratory also achieved official SADCAS accreditation, a major milestone that confirms compliance with the international ISO 15189 standard for medical laboratories. The accreditation provides independent external verification that the laboratory operates according to internationally recognized quality standards and delivers reliable test results.

This milestone reflects the strength of partnership and a shared commitment to improving healthcare quality and laboratory standards.

Maria January, Quality Advisor, Huruma Hospital

Lasting Improvements in Healthcare Delivery

Reliable diagnostics can make the difference between delayed treatment and timely medical intervention. Through Jambo Labs, serious diseases can be detected earlier and diagnosed more accurately, enabling faster and more effective treatment. By strengthening laboratory infrastructure, introducing quality management systems, and training healthcare professionals, the Jambo Labs project is creating lasting improvements in healthcare delivery. Together, action medeor, Sartorius, and local healthcare institutions are helping to ensure that reliable diagnostics and effective treatment are within reach for many more people.