Training & Certification

In 2019, Africa CDC launched the Biosafety and Biosecurity Initiative to help AU Member States meet international standards such as the IHR (2005), BWC, and GHSA. Assessments like the WHO Joint External Evaluation have shown major gaps in biosafety and biosecurity capacity across the region.

To close these gaps, Africa CDC developed the Regional Training and Certification Program for Biosafety and Biosecurity Professionals (RTCP-BBP). This program offers standardized, locally relevant training to build skilled, certified professionals across the continent.

The RTCP-BBP focuses on four essential areas of specialization:

  • Selection, Installation, Maintenance, and Certification of Biological Safety Cabinets
  • BioRisk Management
  • Design and Maintenance of Facilities Handling High-Risk Pathogens (Biocontainment Engineering)
  • Biological Waste Management

Utilizing a proficiency matrix, the program assesses individuals’ competencies in these key areas.

Certification is divided into three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, as outlined in the Regional Training and Certification Program for Biosafety and Biosecurity Program.

 

Programmes

To advance from Level 1 to Level 2 certification, candidates must undertake practical improvement projects and undergo competency assessments in their respective countries. Africa Region Subject Matter Experts (Af-RSMEs) play a pivotal role in guiding and supervising candidates throughout these activities.

Candidates compile portfolios containing improvement project reports, practical assessments, and competency evaluations, which are subsequently reviewed by the Examination and Certification Committee for the award of Level 2 Af-BBP certification.

Af-RSMEs are recognized authorities in their fields, having demonstrated extensive knowledge and expertise in the specialization areas. Their competence is acknowledged both regionally and internationally, with their peers attesting to their remarkable contributions.

The Af-RSMEs are responsible for the following key roles:

  • Assisting Level 1 certified candidates in developing and finalizing improvement project proposals for approval by the ECC.
  • Overseeing the implementation of approved improvement projects, ensuring adherence to agreed timeframes.
  • Collaborating with candidates to produce comprehensive improvement project reports. Supervising in-country hands-on practicals aligned with the specialization areas outlined in the RTCP-BBP. Conducting in-country competency evaluations as prescribed in the program.

The launch of the RTCP-BBP demonstrates Africa CDC’s unwavering commitment to enhancing biosafety and biosecurity systems on the continent. By providing standardized training and certification, the program aims to bridge the capacity gaps, strengthen preparedness and response capabilities, and foster a safer and more secure future for Africa.

The renovations were part of a larger, global effort between DTRA, the NICD and the African Union Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC). DTRA provided the design plans and physical renovations to the training centre while the NICD contributed the land, human capital expertise and the laboratory equipment.

“Renovating the Regional Diagnostic Demonstration Centre has truly been a partnership that depended on commitment from multiple stakeholders. We applaud the robust partnership among the various institutions and agencies throughout this country and look forward to future opportunities to partner with you in strengthening global health security.” — Dr. Robert Pope, Director of the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program under DTRA