The workshop focused on the importance of ensuring appropriate shipping of infectious substances and covered various modules: introduction to transport of infectious substances; shipping terms; categorization; packaging; marking and labelling; documentation; and refrigeration.
Facilitated by WHO’s global influenza surveillance and response system, the course is recognized by the air transport authority International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). At the end of the course, participants were required to take the practical and written test in order to receive the Infectious Substances Shipping Training (ISST) certificate that meets international transport regulations standards and is valid for two years.
Since 2007, 25 ISST workshops have been held worldwide, training 570 laboratory technicians globally. The training was designed by the WHO programme which supports capacity development for implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Related links
Infectious Substances Shipping Training: a course for shippers
A guide for shippers of infectious substances, 2013
International Health Regulations
