WADA hosts first round of Central African region anti-doping workshops

As part of its sponsorship agreement with Africa-based broadcaster SuperSport, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) hosted the first in a series of virtual workshops for anti-doping practitioners in the Central African region last week. 

The workshops are tailored to assist countries in Central Africa in strengthening their anti-doping capacities and capabilities, and to facilitate the implementation of their anti-doping programs.  

WADA’s agreement with SuperSport, which was signed in April 2022, has facilitated the Agency’s efforts in promoting clean sport and delivering programs tailored to strengthening anti-doping capacity throughout the African continent. The funds provided through the agreement have been invested in various activities in Africa, specifically through projects focused on the development and delivery of education and prevention programs. 

WADA’s Africa Office Director, Rodney Swigelaar, said: “WADA’s agreement with SuperSport continues to provide valuable opportunities for our partners across Africa. This latest initiative is a game-changer for stakeholders in the Central African region, as they continue to take the necessary steps to ensure their anti-doping programs are enhanced and compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code. These workshops are a vital step towards implementing programs that are managed by well-trained practitioners, which above all will benefit athletes from all over the continent.” 

The first virtual anti-doping workshop was attended by representatives from the following countries: 

• Central African Republic; 
• Democratic Republic of Congo; 
• Equatorial Guinea; 
• Gabon; 
• Republic of Chad, and; 
• São Tomé and Príncipe 

Dr. Rene Ngiebe Mubiala, President of the Comité national antidopage congolais said: “The virtual workshops organized by WADA and supported by SuperSport have already made a tangible impact on the anti-doping community in Central Africa. The feedback from participants has been incredibly positive, and anticipation is already building for future workshops. The knowledge acquired through these workshops will translate to stronger anti-doping programs in the Central African region. We are appreciative of WADA’s support and look forward to the outcomes of the project in the months and years to come.”  

The series of virtual workshops will focus on the following topics, among others: 

• Education; 
• Testing; 
• Therapeutic Use Exemptions; 
• Results Management; and 
• Risk Assessment. 

The project also includes a legacy aspect, as participating nations will receive banners and promotional resources to be used for engagement activities at future events held in the region.