From September 15–19, 2025, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), trained nine Bermudian professionals in the Shipping of Infectious Substances and BioRisk Management.

The five-day intensive workshop featured two components: Shipping of Infectious Substances, led by Dr. Gabriel Gonzalez-Escobar, CARPHA’s Head of Laboratory Services and Networks, and Ms. Sakina Usher, Bermuda Government Clinical Laboratory Supervisor and certified CARPHA-IATA Trainer, as well as, BioRisk Management, delivered virtually by Mr. Carlos Rampersad, CARPHA’s BioRisk Manager.

Participants represented the Bermuda Government’s Clinical, Water and Food Analysis, Forensic and Drug laboratories, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the private laboratory sector.

Director of Health, David Kendell, emphasised the importance of this training for the island’s resilience and public health: “This training is not only critical for the Department of Health, but for Bermuda’s entire public health system. The ability to safely and securely ship infectious substances ensures that we can rapidly access international laboratory expertise, protect our community from risks, and uphold the highest standards of biosafety. Ultimately, this investment strengthens our collective ability to respond to health threats and safeguard the wellbeing of everyone in Bermuda.”

Through this training, Department of Health employees are now certified to ship Category A and B infectious substances overseas for reference testing when local capacity is limited—for example, in the event of a suspected Ebola case. Category A substances include pathogens capable of causing permanent disability, life-threatening or fatal disease in humans or animals if exposure occurs during transport, while Category B covers materials such as blood, tissue, and body fluids that may be harmful but are less severe.

International transport carriers (air, sea, and rail) will not accept shipments unless they are prepared by certified personnel, making this certification essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for protecting handlers and ensuring public safety.

The internationally recognised International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification equips participants with essential skills in regulatory compliance, safety assurance, and risk reduction. This training reduces liability, prevents costly shipping errors, and ensures Bermuda’s health system can rely on accurate, timely, overseas testing.

The Government of Bermuda continues to invest in global best practices to protect lives, property, and the environment while ensuring the island remains fully compliant with international standards for handling and transporting infectious substances.