Management of medical waste is an ongoing challenge for many African countries. Notably, the management of liquid laboratory waste is topical as analysers produce a lot of liquid waste from routine testing Moreso with the move to point of care testing. In response to this, ASLM has conducted training programs for country teams, developing resources such as checklists and guidelines and knowledge sharing on platforms such as ECHO sessions on laboratory waste management.

On 15-18 July 2025, the EU CBRN Centers of Excellence Initiative’s Project 99: “Strengthening Biosafety and Biosecurity Capabilities in East and Central Africa,” funded by the European Commission and implemented by a consortium led by Expertise France (including ULG, RIVM, SCJS, and ISEMI), held a regional meeting in Dar es Salaam, organized to bring together representatives from the eleven partner countries — Burundi, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Seychelles, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia to strengthen national waste management efforts. The training covered important elements of environmental sampling such as developing a sampling plan, the importance of assembling a team with the required expertise prior to sampling. Templates were also provided to the trainees to support rigorous data collection and sample tracking. Environmental sampling is essential during disease outbreaks when environmental reservoirs (e.g., water, air, surfaces) are suspected sources of transmission. Training ensures that samples are collected, cultured, and interpreted using scientifically sound protocols, enabling accurate linkage between environmental and clinical isolates.