Ouagadougou: Ten West and Central African countries have been taking part since Friday in the 18th meeting of the ORAD Council zones 2 and 3 in Ouagadougou, a framework intended to consolidate anti-doping strategies. The National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) has officially launched the 18th meeting of the Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) Council for zones 2 and 3, which is open for two days of work.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this session, which began on Friday, aims to review annual activities, share difficulties encountered, propose solutions and strengthen synergies for effective action against doping in sport. The president of ORAD, Dr. Emmanuel Passos, indicated that this meeting provides a framework for exchanges allowing participants, who came from several African countries, to define new directions and share good practices in the fight against doping.
Dr. Passos highlighted that Burkina Faso has effective practices in the fight against doping and noted that the meeting offers the country an opportunity to showcase its expertise while benefiting from the strategies of other states. Dr. Ibrahim Sere, president of ONAD-BF and secretary general of ORAD zones 2 and 3, emphasized the importance of the ongoing battle against doping for the sports movement. He noted that ONAD is committed to raising awareness, preventing, controlling, and promoting a healthy sporting environment.
Evariste Dabire, the chief of staff of the Minister in charge of Sports, expressed appreciation for the selection of Burkina Faso as the host of this significant regional meeting. He stated that holding the meeting in Ouagadougou signifies confidence and recognition of the country's capability to organize major sporting events, despite facing various challenges.
Established in 2006, the ORAD comprises ten member countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. Its mission is to coordinate and intensify the fight against doping in sports within the region.