Workshop on transport of infectious substances legislation in central Asia 2023: Almaty, Kazakhstan, 29–30 March 2023: report.

ABSTRACT

International networks for laboratory surveillance, preparedness and response are an important tool for laboratory strengthening, because they serve both as a platform for sharing information and expertise and as a system for the referral of diagnostic specimens for primary and confirmatory testing. The WHO Regional Office for Europe established the European Regional Laboratory Task Force for High Threat Pathogens (Lab Task Force) following a preparatory meeting held in Istanbul, Türkiye in January 2019. In order to facilitate the shipment of infectious substances and to support Member States in this effort, a workshop dedicated to solving issues of sample transport in the central Asian subregion was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 29 and 30 March 2023. Participants discussed national and international regulations and material transfer agreements governing the transport of infectious substances, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus, and highlighted gaps and areas requiring support in their national legislations.