Nepal's health professionals are now better prepared to handle and ship infectious substances safely, thanks to a specialized workshop organized by the Nepal National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) with WHO support. This initiative marks a significant advancement in understanding the proper handling and shipping of infectious substances, and helps prevent the spread of diseases across borders, ensuring a more coordinated and effective international response.
In an effort to bolster the country's response to infectious diseases, the Nepal MoHP, with the support of WHO Nepal, organized a workshop from 16 to 18 April in Lalitpur, Nepal. Supported by the PIP Framework Partnership Contribution, this training initiative aimed at equipping laboratory professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required for the safe packaging and shipping of infectious substances, aligning with the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 and the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) recommendations.
Twenty-five laboratory personnel from various sectors, including human health, animal health, and the food sector, participated in the workshop. These personnel play a crucial role in managing bio-risks and conducting disease surveillance. Participants from Bhutan's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock also participated in the workshop, reflecting the commitment to foster regional cooperation.
The training was led by Mr Christian Fuster from WHO and was based on WHO's guidance on regulations for the transport of infectious substances . It covered topics including the classification of infectious substances, packaging and labelling requirements, and emergency response protocols. Participants engaged in lectures, practical exercises, quizzes, and demonstrations to ensure a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Further information of GISRS logistics activities can be found here .
One of the key highlights of the workshop was the emphasis on international regulations governing the packing and shipment of infectious substances. The training focused on best practices for identifying, classifying, packaging, marking, labelling, documenting, and maintaining cold chain requirements. By investing in such targeted training, the workshop not only aimed to protect the health and safety of healthcare workers and the public but also to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the healthcare system in managing and containing infectious diseases.
As a result of the training, all participants are now certified as shippers for two years. This certification, accredited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), enhances their capacity to contribute to global infectious disease surveillance and response. It confirms their compliance with international transportation standards and aligns with the IHR 2005 recommendations. This strengthens Nepal's ability to support global efforts by sending clinical specimens and isolated viruses to WHO Collaborating Centres for advanced analysis. These samples are essential for vaccine decision-making and assessing global health risks, thereby significantly supporting the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and global infectious disease surveillance and response.
The workshop is a testament to the collaborative efforts of WHO Headquarters, SEARO, and WCO Nepal, showcasing a three-level cooperation to strengthen regional health capacities. A refresher course for the participants is planned for 2026 to ensure continued compliance.
