13/04/2026
International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science
The ‘Key to the Cure’ since 1954
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Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Promoting Sustainability in Clinical Diagnostics
Happy BLS Day 2026 to everyone!
As you know, International BLS Day gives us an important opportunity to celebrate and promote our profession. This year, we continue to highlight sustainability in clinical diagnostics, and we do so in a world facing many severe challenges.
Over the past year, the impact of climate change has become even more visible. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation are no longer distant concerns—they are affecting healthcare systems directly. At the same time, global instability and ongoing public health challenges have tested the resilience of laboratories worldwide.
In this context, the role of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists has never been more important.
We are at the core of diagnostic services, and our work underpins nearly every medical decision. But beyond that, we are also part of a larger global response—one that must balance high-quality patient diagnostics with environmental responsibility and system resilience. As part of a new WHO initiative: the Global Diagnostics Coalition, IFBLS will continue to work to raise awareness of the essential role of diagnostics and diagnostic services for achievement of universal health coverage.
Global crises can also highlight shortages in supply chains and work force capacity. Shortages of reagents, consumables, and equipment will remind us of the importance of sustainable and resilient procurement practices. As Biomedical Laboratory Scientists, our expertise is vital in making informed choices that consider not only quality and performance, but also environmental and ethical impact.
In times of uncertainty, our role as leaders and mentors becomes even more important. By sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and promoting a culture of responsibility, we can help ensure that sustainability is embedded in everyday laboratory work.
The choices we make in our laboratories—how we use resources, how we innovate, and how we lead—contribute to a broader effort to address climate change and global health challenges.
Together, we can ensure that Biomedical Laboratory Science continues to advance in a way that supports both human health and the health of our planet.
Thank you—and Happy BLS Day!
Yours sincerely,
Gabrielle Lillsunde Larsson
President, IFBLS
15 April 2025I
