The INTERPOL African Regional Bioterrorism Prevention Workshop was formally opened by Jackie Selebi, INTERPOL President and Commissioner of the South African Police Service, who hosted the event in Cape Town, South Africa, between 21-23 November 2005.

It was attended by more than 90 delegates from 41 countries, including Police Chiefs and their representatives, the health, scientific and academic communities, as well as observers from international and non-governmental organizations.

The Workshop recognised the need for action by INTERPOL and its member countries in a number of areas in order to develop the preparedness of African nations, both individually and as a whole, to counter the threat of bioterrorism.

In particular, delegates acknowledged the importance of enhancing partnership, working and co-ordination between police, health and other appropriate agencies locally, nationally and internationally:

• to secure information from the widest range of sources to enable regular threat and risk assessments to be made
• to ensure preparedness in terms of establishing appropriate national legislation, inter-agency protocols, joint working procedures, early warning systems, equipment and regular training
• to enable the implementation of the necessary measures to prevent, respond to and investigate bioterrorism.

The assistance of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO), the East African Police Chiefs Committee (EAPCCO), the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) and the Central African Police Chiefs Organisation (CAPCO) to ensure such communication is maintained would be sought where appropriate. The use of INTERPOL’s global police communications system, I-24/7, was also recognised as a valuable tool in information-sharing to address the threat of bioterrorism.

Each country has been asked to identify an individual to be responsible for maintaining contact with the General Secretariat on bioterrorism issues, and who would also identify and work with their counterpart in the health authorities.

Delegates welcomed the INTERPOL initiative to enhance the awareness of the threat of bioterrorism, and urged the General Secretariat to further develop and disseminate a global guide of good practice in the prevention of bioterrorism.

The Second African Regional Workshop on the Prevention of Bioterrorism is to be hosted by Kenya. Delegates will be advised of the date and venue when confirmed.

Cape Town

23 November 2005

News and Media Releases   Interpol bioterrorism workshop adopts co-operation measures        Interpol bioterrorism workshop opens in South Africa      Speeches   Speech by Jackie Selebi, President, Interpol   Speech by Ronald K. Noble, Secretary General, Interpol See also   All Interpol bioterrorism workshops and events   Outcome statement       Photo gallery