Monrovia-University of Liberia Professor, Dr. Bernice Dahn has expressed delight over endeavors by the Univer of Port Harcourt in Nigeria and the University of Liberia to begin a five-day training in toxicology and risk assessment in Monrovia.
By Willie N. Tokpah/0777039231
The short-term training course on toxicology and risk assessment for professionals in the field of toxicology and public health is organized by the African Center for Public Health and Toxicology Research, University of Port Harcourt in collaboration with the T.JR. College of Technology and Environmental Studies at the University of Liberia and the West African Society of Toxicology aims to provide basic training in general toxicology, food toxicology, and environmental toxicology.
Speaking on behalf of UL President, Julius S. Nelson on Monday, June 10, Dr. Dahn said the training marks a significant milestone in the continued effort to foster collaboration and improve public health in Liberia.
According to her, the training is timely and important and provides a platform for faculty and students to engage in meaningful discussion, and sharing knowledge on toxicology.
She voted that the workshop aligns with the UL quest for research and scientific evidence-based decision-making.
Dr. Dahn believed the training is essential as the country strives to improve the public health sector. She then lauded Mr. Anthony Tenbeh, Mr. Charles Assumana, and the T.J.R. College of Science and Technology as well as all those who helped in ensuring that the training became successful.
For his part, T J.R. College of Science and Technology Dean, Dr. Charles Assumana named the training as an opportunity for students and experts in the public health sector to tap in.
Dr. Assumana encouraged participants to take a keen interest in the training and to utilize the knowledge. He then lauded the delegation from Nigeria for coming to Liberia to conduct the training.
Providing an overview of the training, Prof. Daprim Ogahi said the five days intensive hand-on training, beginners, through expert technological risk assessors, will learn advance method as well as enhancing their understanding and skills in the basic.
Following the training, he stated that participants will have an overall understanding of the basic principles of toxicology.
“The training is also intended to expose participants to the USEPA Approach to risk assessment, heavy metals contamination, and risk management,” Prof. Oahi said.
At the same time, Oahi maintained that the introductory training materials are designed to be used as a reference guide to toxicology and food safety experts to understand and use toxicology data or information in their day-to-day activities.
He said the short course will also show the strengths and limitations of available information on many chemical cocktails in food and the environment as well as. improve the skills of participants.
The Port Harcott University Professor further said participant will also understand basic toxicity terminology and concept, understand biological sampling method, be able to explain the toxicology of the major system, source of biological information, how to use them and their limitation as well as know the significance of dose response relationship among others.