The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council’s (NMRC) Quality Surveillance Laboratory (QSL) conducted a pivotal workshop in Swakopmund from 2 to 6 December 2024, with financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO). The workshop focused on risk management, opportunity identification, and root cause analysis, aimed at strengthening the laboratory’s quality management system and enhancing operational efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Conducted by Spectrum Namibia Consultancy, the workshop began with sessions on risk and opportunity management from 02 to 04 December 2024. These sessions equipped participants with techniques to systematically identify, document, and mitigate risks. Emphasizing proactive planning and adaptive strategies, the workshop included practical exercises that simulated real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking, and instilling a continuous improvement mindset.

The workshop’s final sessions, held on 05 and 06 December 2024, shifted to root cause analysis, a critical process for addressing non-conformities. Analysts were trained in systematic methodologies to diagnose underlying issues instead of addressing surface-level symptoms. Through case studies, they practiced developing targeted corrective actions to ensure lasting improvements and reduce recurrence risks.

The workshop yielded significant outcomes. Participants gained a thorough understanding of risk management and root cause analysis, enhancing their ability to integrate these principles into their daily operations. The practical exercises bridged theoretical knowledge with application, fostering readiness to address challenges proactively. Additionally, the focus on compliance with WHO and ISO/IEC 17025 standards strengthened the laboratory’s audit preparedness and promoted a quality-driven culture.

This training marks a milestone in the QSL’s pursuit of operational excellence. By emphasizing continuous improvement and innovation, it strengthens the laboratory’s resilience and ensures alignment with evolving regulatory standards. These capacity-building efforts reaffirm WHO’s dedication to strengthening public health systems through reliable and effective laboratory practices.