Last week (3-7 March 2025), the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), in collaboration with Africa CDC and with support from the Mastercard Foundation, hosted a training workshop on ISO 20387: General Requirements for Biobanking. The workshop aimed to equip 20 participants participants from 10 countries – Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Morocco, and Ghana, with the knowledge, skills, and guidance necessary to ensure the reliability, credibility, and utility of high-quality biospecimens and associated data.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Africa CDC’s Senior Scientist, Dr. Abebaw Kebede, emphasized that quality in biobanking is essential for ensuring the integrity, reliability, and ethical use of biospecimens and data. He further noted that quality standards within the Africa Biobanking Network contribute to successful research, clinical applications, and scientific advancement while fostering trust and collaboration among stakeholders.
Mrs. Norah Vere, Project Manager at ASLM, highlighted that building and maintaining high-quality biobanking services across the continent lays a strong foundation for research and development. She underscored that adherence to international standards ensures that biobanking data contributes meaningfully to global scientific efforts.
The training provided participants with an in-depth understanding of ISO 20387, covering general, structural, resource, process, and quality management system (QMS) requirements. These elements are essential for biobanks to demonstrate competence and the ability to provide high-quality biological materials and data for research and development. Competence in biobanking is achieved through careful planning and implementation of policies, processes, and procedures that govern the lifecycle of biological materials and their associated data.
The workshop also offered participants an opportunity to engage in discussions and brainstorming sessions on tackling implementation challenges in their respective countries. Additionally, they visited the biobank at the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), a branch of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). This biobank was supported with equipment under Phase 1 of the Mastercard Foundation’s Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) project, implemented through ASLM and Africa CDC. The workshop underscored the critical role of biobanking in supporting Africa’s research and public health initiatives, reinforcing the commitment to strengthening biobanking capacity across the continent.