Behind the lab doors: An MSF scientist's story of saving lives in silence
In honor of Lab Week, Ibrahim Kolo shares what it means to be one of healthcare’s silent heroes — working behind the scenes, saving lives through science
17 Apr 2025
Ibrahim Kolo, medical laboratory technologist, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is committed to quality diagnostics in humanitarian and emergency settings.
As part of Lab Week, our Lab4Life feature hosts a special series highlighting the inspiring journeys of scientists dedicated to clinical science and global health. In this guest blog, Ibrahim Kolo shares his frontline experiences as a medical lab technologist — from battling outbreaks to ensuring life-saving diagnoses.
For many, the laboratory is a mysterious place tucked behind heavy doors and marked with 'Authorized Personnel Only'. But for me — and thousands of medical laboratory professionals around the world — it’s where the silent heroes of healthcare work.
My name is Ibrahim Kolo, and I’m a medical laboratory technologist with over five years of experience, currently working with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). I may not wear a stethoscope, but every slide I stain, every test I run, and every result I verify contributes directly to saving lives.
Outbreaks and emergencies, when every second counts
In my time on the bench, I’ve supported countless urgent medical interventions — diagnosing deadly Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children, confirmed cholera outbreaks, and more.
Cholera outbreak response
During a severe cholera outbreak, our team worked around the clock to confirm Vibrio cholerae cases. People were arriving with acute dehydration — time was against us. We weren’t just running tests; we were part of a mission that saved lives.
Meningitis in Northern Nigeria
In another crisis, we screened cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples during a meningitis outbreak. Every accurate Gram stain and latex agglutination test mattered. Delays could mean death. Despite limited resources and mounting pressure, our team remained focused and united.
The COVID-19 shift: Labs on the frontline
Processing COVID-19 samples under strict biosafety protocols—facing the pandemic with precision and heart.
The pandemic redefined our work. Suddenly, we weren’t just running routine diagnostics — we were frontline responders. We trained in PCR, handled highly infectious samples, and enforced strict biosafety protocols.
In areas with little access to accurate information, we became educators too — dispelling myths, calming fears, and ensuring proper testing.
High-risk, high stakes: Viral hemorrhagic fevers
Working under VHF alert where biosafety meets life-saving diagnostics.
Equally intense were our interventions during viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) alerts. Every blood sample we touched was high risk. Dressed in full PPE, we followed strict biosecurity procedures to prepare and transport samples. The anxiety was real — but so was our commitment. This work wasn’t just about avoiding infection — it was about protecting entire communities.
Critical care: Blood when it matters most
One moment I’ll never forget was in the blood transfusion unit. A woman in critical condition from postpartum hemorrhage needed blood urgently. Stocks were low. We had to type and crossmatch quickly — but accurately. Within minutes, compatible blood was ready — and she survived. It was a reminder of how precision in the lab can mean the difference between life and death.
Resilience through challenges
Even with occasional equipment failures or security threats, our lab team never stops. When our hematology analyzer failed, we switched to manual methods and kept going. Nothing gets between us and quality care.
We blend tradition and technology every day — using modern analyzers for hematology and biochemistry, manual microscopy for malaria, and rapid diagnostic kits during outbreaks. I’ve even grown fond of our backup centrifuge — it’s saved the day more than once.
Beyond the bench: Educating and inspiring
Our work may be invisible to many, but it’s invaluable to all.
Ibrahim kolo Medical Laboratory Scientist, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Outside the lab, I’m passionate about education. I’m planning a YouTube channel to help the public, students, and aspiring lab scientists understand what happens behind the scenes. Few people know that over 70% of medical decisions rely on lab results. It’s time we told our story.
Looking ahead, I hope to specialize in clinical embryology and open an IVF lab in Northern Nigeria. For now, every test I run, every colleague I support, and every crisis I respond to reminds me that our work may be invisible to many, but it’s invaluable to all.
Lab Week: Celebrating the unsung heroes
As Lab Week approaches, I’m proud to stand with my fellow laboratory professionals — unsung heroes working in silence but making noise where it matters most: in patient care, public health, and the very pulse of life itself.