Thanks to a specialized workshop organized by the Ministry of Health and Population’s (MoHP) Nepal National Institute of Public Health with support from WHO, Nepal’s medical professionals are now better prepared to safely handle and transport infectious materials. is in place. This effort represents a major advance in our understanding of the proper handling and transportation of infectious materials, helping to prevent the spread of disease across borders and ensure a more coordinated and effective international response.
In an effort to strengthen the country’s response to infectious diseases, Nepal’s Ministry of Health, with support from WHO Nepal, organized a workshop in Lalitpur, Nepal, from April 16 to 18. This training initiative, supported by contributions from the PIP Framework Partnership, aims to develop the essential skills required for the safe packaging and transport of infectious materials, in line with the 2005 International Health Regulations (IHR) and the Joint External Evaluation (JEE). and knowledge to laboratory professionals. ) recommendations.
Twenty-five laboratory personnel from various fields, including human health, animal health, and food sectors, participated in the workshop. These personnel play a critical role in managing biorisks and conducting disease surveillance. Participants from Bhutan’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock also attended the workshop, reflecting their commitment to fostering regional cooperation.
The training was led by WHO’s Christian Fuster and was based on WHO guidance on regulating the transport of infectious substances. Topics covered included classification of infectious substances, packaging and labeling requirements, and emergency response protocols. Participants engaged in lectures, exercises, quizzes, and demonstrations to thoroughly understand the subject matter. Click here to learn more about GISRS logistics activities.
One of the key highlights of the workshop was highlighting the international regulations governing the packaging and transportation of infectious substances. The training focused on best practices for identifying, classifying, packaging, marking, labeling, documenting, and maintaining cold chain requirements. By investing in such targeted training, this workshop will not only protect the health and safety of healthcare workers and the public, but also improve the efficiency and reliability of healthcare systems in managing and containing infectious diseases. The aim was also to increase
As a result of the training, all participants were certified as shippers for two years. Accredited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this certification strengthens our ability to contribute to global infectious disease surveillance and response. This confirms compliance with international transport standards and ensures compliance with the IHR 2005 recommendations. This will strengthen Nepal’s ability to support global efforts by sending clinical specimens and virus isolates to WHO Collaborating Centers for advanced analysis. These samples are essential for vaccine decision-making and global health risk assessment, thereby significantly supporting the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and global infectious disease surveillance and response. .
This workshop is a testament to the collaborative efforts of WHO Headquarters, SEARO and WCO Nepal, demonstrating three-level cooperation to strengthen local health capacity. A refresher course for participants is planned for 2026 to ensure continued compliance.
