Strengthening the capacity of veterinary diagnostic laboratory staff through training on the safe transport of infectious substances focus on Peste des Petits Ruminants and other priority animal diseases for English Speaking Countries
23/02/2026
News Release
Accra– Building on the momentum of its regional capacity-building initiatives, the Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC) successfully convened a targeted training workshop for veterinary laboratories from English-speaking African countries from 17–19 February 2026 in Accra, Ghana similar to the one conducted for francophone countries in December 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting AU-PANVAC’s commitment to ensuring inclusive regional coverage and harmonized capacity development across the continent.
Hosted at the Oak Plaza Hotel-Suites, the three-day workshop focused on strengthening the safe transport of infectious substances. The training brought together veterinary laboratory professionals from 10 anglophone Countries, providing a focused platform to harmonize procedures, exchange experiences, and reinforce adherence to international shipping standards.
The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ technical and regulatory competencies in the classification, packaging, marking, labeling, documentation, and transport of infectious substances in accordance with the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR). Through practical sessions and expert-led discussions, participants deepened their understanding of risk assessment, proper packaging systems, and regulatory responsibilities to ensure the safe movement of biological materials.
Through a structured and practice-oriented programme, participants deepened their understanding of biological risk management and the full shipment chain from classification and identification to proper packaging, marking, labelling, and completion of required documentation. At the end of the three-days intensive training, participants undertook a written exam to assess their understanding of the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations. All 22 participants from 10 countries successfully passed the exam and were duly certified as shippers of infectious substances in accordance with IATA requirements. This achievement marks a significant step forward in strengthening the operational readiness of African countries to manage infectious sample transportation safely, securely, and in full compliance with international standards. It further reflects the continued commitment of the AU-PANVAC to enhancing laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory capacity across African Union Member States and beyond
