By Ms Lusubilo Witson MWAMAKAMBA, Regional Food Safety Focal Point, WHO Regional Office for Africa and Hakim B. MUFUMBIRO, Regional Coordinator CCAFRICA

As part of commemorations of the 60th anniversary of Codex in the African region, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa in collaboration with the FAO/WHO Codex Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA) conducted a two-and-a-half-day regional training workshop on enhancing participation in the work of Codex and preparation of robust applications for submission to the Codex Trust Fund 2 (CTF2). The training held in Saly, Senegal, from 7–9 November 2023, was attended by delegates from 14 countries (Angola, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Mozambique, Senegal, Somalia) and representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), CCAFRICA, Codex Trust Fund Secretariat, WHO and the Economic Commission for Livestock, Meat and Fisheries Resources (CEBEVIRHA). 

The participants were oriented on the procedures for the elaboration of Codex standards and the current issues discussed in different Codex committees. They were also briefed on the key components of an effective and functional national Codex programme, the use of Codex standards, guidelines, and recommendations in national food safety programmes, and the importance of engaging in Codex work at the continental and global level. They were equipped with the skills to prepare robust applications to the Codex Trust Fund 2. An experience-sharing session involving delegates from Cabo Verde, Ghana, Kenya and Senegal provided useful tips for preparing applications and highlighted the impact of CTF projects including the positive experiences of twinning countries. A practical hands-on session that was undertaken through the pairing of eligible countries and those that had successfully applied for mentoring support further provided an in-depth review of the use and application of the FAO/WHO Codex diagnostic tool for assessing the status of Codex structures at the national level.     

I discovered the immense value of utilizing the diagnostic tool not only for its intended application purposes but also as a tool for ongoing self-assessment

(Eng. Mohamed Aden Hersi, Codex Contact Point (CCP) for Somalia)

The workshop was addressed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Social Action of the Republic of Senegal and guest of honour, Dr Habib Ndiaye, who emphasized the importance of ensuring safe food for public health and trade by recalling the magnitude of the burden of foodborne diseases in the region. He outlined some of the efforts of Senegal in enhancing food safety in the country which include, among others, the elaboration of a national food safety emergency response plan, strengthening of national Codex structures, the implementation of a healthy food market initiative, and the elaboration of a food safety strategy.

“I discovered the immense value of utilizing the diagnostic tool not only for its intended application purposes but also as a tool for ongoing self-assessment. By regularly assessing our progress using the diagnostic tool, we can effectively measure our growth and identify areas where further improvement is needed. This approach can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the Codex programme” said Eng. Mohamed Aden Hersi, Codex Contact Point (CCP) for Somalia. He further added “rather than perceiving the CCP solely as an individual, it is crucial to view it as a function. Taking this long-term perspective is essential for maximizing the benefits of the country's Codex programme. By considering the CCP as a function, we can ensure continuity and institutionalize its role, which will contribute to the sustained success of the programme”.

Mr Zakaria A. Lawandji, CCP for Chad, noted that the training has equipped participants with the knowledge of the CTF application process. “This very informative training was useful and beneficial to us in more than one way, as it allowed us to better understand the process of submitting to the Codex Trust Fund through a good understanding of the diagnostic tool. It was also an opportunity for us to gauge ourselves against other countries and above all to make new acquaintances” said Lawandji.

The participants from the different countries committed to take necessary actions after the training in order to engage stakeholders at national level to develop and submit robust applications to CTF for support.

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Codex Trust Fund website

Photo © WHO AFRO/Ms. Claude LIPIKA