GHS Implementation in Zambia Importance and Benefits of National Capacity Development Program

1. GHS Implementation in ZambiaImportance and Benefits of National Capacity Development Program David Kapindula ECZ Zambia dkapindula@necz.org.zm

2. Introduction • Aimed at developing and implementing CHC action plans through collaboration between the Zambian government and UNITAR/ILO • Zambia was selected as one of the pilot counties • The project was to be undertaken in three phases

3. Phase 1 Activities • Situation Analysis - About 2% of those directly in contact with chemicals and chemicals products fully comprehend the hazard labels in use in industry, transport and agriculture. - Only 1% of the population are aware of the likelihood of hazards posed by chemicals - Various legislations were identified and • Inception workshop - Inception workshop held in November 2001 - Formedfour working groups, namely Transport, Consumer, Agriculture and Industry - From over 35 organizations

4. Phase 1 Activities • The High level Awareness Raising Meeting - Held a High-level awareness raising meeting in February 2002 - Targeted MPs and other high level officials • First National Project Coordination Committee Meeting - The Meeting discussed and adopted Work plans for phase 1 and set the stage for phase 2

5. Phase 2 Activities • Development of the NAP - Working groups held planning meetings and developed draft legislation for implementation of GHS • Comprehensibility Testing - Respondents exhibited low levels of comprehension for color bands, most symbols and poor understanding of the SDS phrases - Current understanding of the labels commonly used in Zambia is below 50% - Training on the correct interpretation of labels is critical - Need for public awareness has been identified

6. Phase 3 Activities • Awareness Raising Activities • Chemical Safety Awareness Day • Formation of Coordinating Committee for Emergency Response • Emergence Response System • Poison Control Center • Development of educational materials on CHC • Draft amended legislation for the implementation of GHS completed

7. Results of CHC • Increased Public awareness • MPs and other high level officials are supporting project activities • SDS on display in some workplaces and retailers for easy access by workers and customers • Transporters of chemicals have begun training drivers e.g ZR and ERB • As a result of the project Customs and ECZ officers were trained to enforce labeling requirements

8. Results of CHC • CHC to be introduced in curriculum of key educational institutions • Development of an emergency Response System • Two products withdrawn from the market due to improper labelling

9. Benefits of a National CHC Capacity Development Project (e.g. 2 years ECZ-UNITAR) • Catalyzing multi-stakeholder Committee (NPCC) • Formation of 4 Sector working groups • Support for situation Analysis, CT, NAP • Expert support on GHS and CT • Initiation of GHS implementation

10. Conclusion • Need for continued support • Legislation drafting to adopting is costly therefore the need for support • As a pilot country we are interested in sharing our experiences with other African countries hence need for support in this regard

11. END THANK YOU