Kempton park: The Pathology Research and Development Congress (PathReD) 2025, South Africa’s leading conference on pathology and diagnostics, is currently taking place at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
According to South African Government News Agency, more than just a scientific meeting, the congress emphasises the importance of diagnostics as a cornerstone of health equity and a fundamental component of universal health coverage. Under the theme ‘Enriching Health through Research’, and focusing on ‘Bridging the Gap: Pathology in Resource-Limited Settings,’ PathReD 2025 will feature over 25 distinguished speakers.
Included are the CEO of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Professor Koleka Mlisana, the Swiss microbiologist, Professor Adrian Egli, and the NHLS Executive Manager for Academic Affairs, Research, and Quality Assurance, Professor Elise Schapkaitz. The congress will conclude on Sunday, uniting scientists, pathologists, policymakers, innovators, and healthcare professionals to discuss advancements in medical technologies, precision diagnostics, and practical solutions for urban and rural communities.
The programme includes interactive workshops, panel discussions, and expert-led presentations that address the most pressing challenges in laboratory medicine and patient care. At PathReD 2025, the NHLS will demonstrate its commitment to promoting health equity, minimising inequalities, and ensuring that every South African has access to timely, high-quality diagnostics. ‘Every test matters and every step counts, from laboratories to hospital wards, bringing the country one step closer to a time when health is a right rather than a privilege.’
The NHLS, as the host, has reinforced its vision of becoming a centre of excellence in laboratory and clinical medicine. Its mission is to provide patient-centred services through innovation, collaboration, and equity.