KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR) continues to demonstrate leadership in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity through its participation in the CEPI ISO 35001 Implementation Project. Representatives from KAVI-ICR, including its founder, Professor Omu Anzala, and Laboratory Technologist Dennis Chalo, attended a high-level coordination meeting at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg from March 30 to April 1, 2026.

The meeting, convened under the auspices of Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, marked the first structured in-person engagement of consortium partners and institutions participating in the Central Laboratory Network (CLN). It formally initiated the implementation phase of the ISO 35001 project.

Key objectives of the meeting included strengthening collaboration among partners, co-designing mentoring and training frameworks, and developing a phased, risk-based roadmap for implementation.

ISO 35001 focuses on Biorisk Management Systems (BRMS), aiming to enhance biosafety and biosecurity in laboratories handling infectious agents. For KAVI-ICR, this initiative represents a critical step toward strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring compliance with global standards. The engagement underscores KAVI-ICR’s commitment to advancing safe and secure laboratory practices in support of global health research and epidemic preparedness.