INSP President calls for improved laboratory facilities and training to boost toxicological analysis in the country

Praia, July 8 (Inforpress) - The president of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Maria da Luz Lima, today advocated in Praia for strengthening laboratory infrastructure and specialized training to increase the national capacity for conducting toxicological analyses.

The official made these statements to the press on the sidelines of the opening of a specialist training course on the assessment of toxicological risks and contaminants, a two-day event taking place at the institution’s headquarters with the aim of building the capacity of professionals involved in food safety and the protection of public health.

According to Maria da Luz Lima, Cabo Verde currently has public and private laboratories with the capacity to carry out analyses - including the INSP (National Institute of Public Health), the National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANAS), private units and the Judicial Police (the latter focused on drug and alcohol screening) -, but she considered it urgent to expand and modernize this network.

“We need more toxicology laboratories in Cabo Verde, and this cooperation with the Canary Islands aims precisely to strengthen national capacities in the determination of food contaminants,” stated the president of INSP, detailing that the partnership focuses on identifying hazards in daily consumed foods.

DG/CP

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