Anxiety As World Body Suspends Africa’s Only Anti-Doping Laboratory Ahead Of Continental Games Kick-off

By Victor Kanayo

The only anti-doping laboratory located in South Africa has failed accreditation, and is suspended.

The Bloemfontein laboratory was put on suspension by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for failing to conform with international standards severally.

WADA in a statement said it had suspended the accreditation of the Laboratory in Bloemfontein for up to six months, as from March 1, 2024.

Reason For WADA’s Decision

According to WADA, its decision was made after experts advised the agency to suspend the facility’s accreditation due to “multiple non-conformities with the International Standard for Laboratories.

“The suspension prohibits the laboratory from conducting any anti-doping activities, including the analysis of urine and blood samples, with the exception of analyses related to the haematology module of the Athlete Biological Passport.

“This is to ensure the continued high quality of sample analysis, which will also help to maintain athletes’ confidence in the process and the anti-doping system as a whole.”

However, WADA said the laboratory will be allowed to apply for reinstatement once it has demonstrated that all identified “non-conformities” have been addressed.

Insidethegame reports that the Bloemfontein laboratory, had been placed under some restrictions in September last year, while other anti-doping activities were allowed to continue.

Anti-Doping Effect At African Games

This sanction comes at a time when WADA is implementing the Athlete Engagement and Anti-Doping Legacy programmes at the 2023 African Games to promote clean sport during the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana.

WADA will have its Athlete Engagement and Major Event Legacy (MEAL) teams present at the Games, which will be held from 8 to 23 March, 2024, with about 54 countries expected to compete in 29 sports.

Giving clarification concerning WADA’s proposed schedule at the games, Director of WADA’s Africa Office, Rodney Swigelaar, said: “The Anti-Doping Forum to be held during the African Games promises to be powerful. It is important to assess and discuss anti-doping issues and to consider African solutions to doping problems in an African context. The workshop will provide another opportunity to promote the work to develop the capacity of anti-doping programmes.

“The Athlete Engagement Team, led by African athletes, will have the important task of interacting with athletes and their support staff throughout the event. The MEAL programme will play a role in connecting with anti-doping professionals and strengthening the capacity of anti-doping organisations in the region.”