In collaboration with the European Union and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) ,the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) hosted by the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centers of Excellence (CoE) awareness workshop yesterday, Tuesday 26th March 2024.
The aim of this workshop was to raise awareness on CBRN to key stakeholders and discuss the establishment of the national CBRN committee in Seychelles led by the designated CBRN national focal point, Ms. Vanesia Dodin.
During this workshop Ms. Dodin, presented the past and current CBRN CoE related activities in Seychelles such as Project 60-Nuclear Safety and Security, Project 66-Medisafe and Project P99-BIOCAP. Both Project 60 and Project 66 were established in 2018.
Project P60- Nuclear Safety and Security, was established to support the review of the legislation and the draft of the radiation safety and security regulations. The project also supported the draft of a national Radiological Emergency Response Plan (RADPLAN) and the review of a safe and secure management of radioactive source in Seychelles, as well as the strategies to improve control of radiation in Seychelles. Under this project Seychelles acquired several radiation detection devices and trainings on security inspections.
As Project P66-Medisafe, it was established in March 2018 to November 2023 to support the fight against the production and trafficking of Substandard, Falsified Medicines and Health Products (SFMHP) to ensure better health outcomes. Under such project technical working groups were established to facilitate sharing of information between various agencies that has a role to play in addressing SFMHP. The project also promoted capacity building and awareness raising on SFMHP with a national Standard Operation Procedure for handling SFMHP by mapping the supply chain of both private and the public sectors.
Whereas Project P-99 BIOCAP aimed to strengthened biosafety and biosecurity capabilities in East and Central Africa including Seychelles. The project started in January 2023 and is expected to end in June 2026, over a period of 3 years. The project focuses on enhancing the region’s ability to detect and mitigate risks related to biological materials or agents, as well as the risks associated with installations or sites.
Establishing the way forward, the stakeholders raised many points in regards to education and awareness of CBRN in Seychelles, as well as improved coordination and communication amongst stakeholders themselves. Following this workshop, it is expected that a national CBRN committee be established, forming a national team to develop the CBRN action plan in Seychelles supported by the European Union.
Representatives in attendance to the workshop were Mr. Robert Ernesta, the Director General of DRMD, accompanied by
Ms. Vanesia Dodin, CBRN Focal Point, also the Head of Disaster Risk Mitigation Unit, Ms. Jade Landry, Head of Education, Research and Information Unit and Ms. Aisha Rachel, Head of Planning and Preparedness Unit.
Other representatives present were the Other representatives present were the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Seychelles Foreign Affairs Department, Department of Land Transport, Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, Seychelles Ports Authority, Seychelles Fire and Rescue Service Agency, Airport Fire and Rescue Service Agency,
Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Seychelles Defense Forces, Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs Seychelles. Seychelles Bureau of Standards, National Bureau of Statistics, Seychelles Revenue Agency, Ministry of Health, Seychelles Planning Authority, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and Seychelles Petroleum Company Limited.
