Lusaka, Zambia | 16–18 April 2025 — In a major step toward enhancing laboratory biosafety and biosecurity across Africa, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), with support from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Global Health Protection (US CDC-DGHP), conducted a three-day International Air Transport Association (IATA) training workshop in Lusaka, Zambia.

The training brought together key representatives from the National Public Health Institutes and Reference Laboratories of Zambia, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya. Over the course of three days, participants were equipped with critical skills for the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods, specifically infectious substances, chemicals, and biological samples, following strict IATA regulations.

This training builds on previous capacity-strengthening efforts focused on genome sequencing and quality assurance of laboratory, reinforcing the importance of a secure and reliable specimen referral network.

Participants included researchers, medical laboratory professionals, and risk management experts, all playing critical roles in securing laboratory networks and improving public health emergency. By advancing practical skills in biosafety and biosecurity, the training ensures safer, more resilient laboratory operations and supports national and regional preparedness against biological threats.

This landmark training reinforces ASLM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening laboratory systems, supporting Africa’s collective mission to achieve health security and rapid response capability.