The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended operations at the Bloemfontein testing laboratory in South Africa, the only WADA-approved lab in Africa, for six months starting from March 1, 2024. The suspension prohibits the lab from conducting any anti-doping activities, except for analyses related to the Athlete Biological Passport hematological module. The decision follows multiple non-conformities with the International Standard for Laboratories, as reported by the Laboratory Expert Advisory Group. During the suspension, samples collected from the South African lab must be securely transported to another WADA-accredited laboratory, with the nearest option being in Doha, Qatar. The suspension means the lab won’t be part of the global anti-doping program for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, with the possibility of an earlier lift if the lab meets international standards.
Source – CGTN