Senior veterinary scientists and vaccine technicians in East Africa have benefitted from two innovative ‘best practice’ training courses run by GALVmed. The two-day events were held as part of the preparations for Newcastle Disease vaccine trials sponsored by the organisation, and will play an important role in promoting the development of accessible, affordable animal vaccines for the world’s poorest farmers.
Held at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania, and the Veterinary Vaccines Production Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, participants learned about Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Management of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
The trials are an essential part of the registration process for vaccines, medicines and other animal health products available in other parts of the world, but not yet registered in East Africa.
Feedback from participants indicated that not only had GALVmed’s training courses met a real need but that similar courses would be welcomed in the future. Dr Jane Wachira, Deputy Centre Director of the Veterinary Vaccines Production Centre, said: “It was an eye-opener for me and our staff. It helped us appreciate the relationship between GLP and GCP, and how the two are relevant in product registration.”
She added: “I think Diagnostic labs in Kenya and Africa need such interactive in-house training. The courses will be beneficial on how the staff document data both in the labs and in the field.” Certificates of Attendance were issued for inclusion in participants’ CVs.
As part of its commitment to capacity building, GALVmed also upgraded poultry facilities at Sokoine University and donated new laboratory equipment. When the Nairobi-based trials begin, they will make use of facilities that have been upgraded or donated by GALVmed, including advanced digital logging equipment for which further training will be provided.