WHO e-infectious substance shipping training rolled out
The WHO infectious substances shipping programme has been in place since 2007, with over 2000 shippers trained so far. Changes and improvements have been made over the years to make the programme more relevant to potential trainees around the world. The modules include face-to-face initial training and certification of shippers, as well as online self-paced training which is used to recertify shippers. Re certification is required every two years in order to remain valid.
The most recent version of the recertification training was released in late 2018 and is hosted on the WHO’s Health Security Learning Platform (HSLP). All aspects of the programme have been created, reviewed and implemented with the support of international aviation bodies, and training entities, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Post the COVID-19 outbreak being declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), efforts were stepped up to strengthen laboratory networks for specimen referrals to assist timely laboratory diagnosis. In this regard, shippers of infectious substances were needed globally, to ensure suspected specimens for COVID-19 were safely and appropriately transported to testing laboratories as part of national (and international) testing and control strategies of COVID 19. However, the introduction of movement and international travel restrictions hindered the opportunities of onsite trainings
Reviving the online recertification platform for shipment of infectious substances
To overcome this issue, it was suggested to use online and innovative technology-based solutions for communication and coordination to strengthen diagnostic testing for COVID-19, including safe transport of biological substances. The existence of the online recertification platform for the shipment of infectious substances (known as the e-ISST) was one such online-tool that was found useful in addressing the challenge of improving the availability of certified shippers in this unprecedented emergency setting, when in-person meetings and training events were difficult to be implemented.
Using this platform, WHO SEARO organized trainings for SEAR MS to ensure availability of trained shippers of infectious substances with valid certifications with a view to contributing to the pandemic response. The training modules with practice opportunities and final assessments were self-paced. To qualify for a certification, a score of 80% on the final assessment was required.
A total of 61 participants from seven Member countries in WHO’s SEAR enrolled in the course that was supported by the WHO Headquarters. Of these enrollments, 22 qualified for the course, completed their examinations and received their certification which will be valid now for the next two years. Other participants are in the process of going through the course. A hybrid model of onsite in conjunction with online trainings is being planned for future sessions.