CHEMEX Africa was the first ever OPCW large-scale chemical emergency response exercise for African countries. During this two-week capacity building programme, African instructors trained African first responders in a South-South collaboration.
CHEMEX Africa was unique in its approach, combining a comprehensive theoretical framework with hands-on experience, including a chemical emergency response simulation. OPCW Member States representatives and other key stakeholders attended the demonstration to witness how a chemical emergency can unfold.
Course content
More than 80 first responders from 32 African countries learnt how to identify, manage, and mitigate threats posed by toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents.
Participants received rigorous training in:
- identifying toxic industrial chemicals and chemical weapons agents
- decontamination procedures
- detection and sampling techniques
- proper use of personal protective equipment
- incident commands
The Czech Republic, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, the European Union, and other regional and international organisations provided expert supervisors, evaluators, and observers for the exercise.
CHEMEX Africa allowed the OPCW and participating countries to evaluate and analyse existing gaps in chemical emergency response capabilities in Africa. The outcome of this analysis will be used as a basis to build up and improve national programmes for protective purposes. In addition, it will allow the OPCW to further fine-tune the capacity building support it provides to its Member States in Africa and beyond.
CHEMEX Africa News
More News- OPCW Conference of the States Parties opens OPCW Member States meet for annual Conference to review progress in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, address challenges and mark the path forward
- OPCW Technical Secretariat briefs permanent representatives based outside of the Netherlands on key organisational priorities Briefing focuses on OPCW’s work in the post-destruction phase and the preparation for the upcoming Conference of the States Parties
- OPCW Director-General receives Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Discussion highlights the importance of upholding the norm against chemical weapons and enhancing international cooperation
