What is NIMS?
The Africa CDC laboratory team has developed NIMS, a web-based platform to enhance lab efficiency. NIMS facilitates access to data and tools necessary for optimizing laboratory operations, including sample referral, documentation, quality assurance, and equipment and inventory management. The system allows for centralized management and features interactive dashboards for displaying information, and is currently used in 7 Member States for cross-border referrals and in-country lab operations.

1. 7 Member States are currently using it
2. 9 Months of implementation in 2023/24
3. 1 Partner (ASLM)
4. Safeguarding the Continents Health through Lab Network!

Why Use NIMS?
NIMS is freely available for laboratories in Africa Union member states and is built with features that enable process optimisation such as

• User-friendliness
• Interoperability
• Scalability and customisation for bespoke laboratory needs
• Data encryption and controlled access

NIMS is therefore more than just a data repository; it is a tool that will empower your facility, streamline your laboratory process flows and enhance productivity.

Key Modules
Sample Referral: Manage in-country and cross-border sample referral for preservation of sample integrity, efficiency, timeliness, cost effectiveness and scalability.

Equipment and Inventory: Optimise the supply chain through a digitised central repository of equipment and capacity to forecast demand molecular assays.

External Quality assurance: Strengthen quality management by managing EQA activities for molecular testing assays centrally.

Training management: Foster continuous learning through a centralised repository of training materials and profiles of trainers for continued mentorship.

The time is opportune to harness digital capabilities for laboratory process optimisation, whether you are a researcher, a laboratory manager, or an institution dedicated to public health in Africa, NIMS is your partner.