Addis Ababa, May 14, 2020 (FBC) – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) claims a three-year partnership agreement between the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) and the Ethiopian National Anti-Doping Organization (ETH-NADO) has had significant benefits for the protection of clean sport in Africa.

Under the terms of the agreement, which was facilitated and monitored by WADA, SAIDS provided support, guidance and expertise to ETH-NADO to help build its anti-doping capacity.

WADA said the partnership has led to improvements in the organization and structure of ETH-NADO, as well as boosting its doping control programmes including urine and blood testing.

Progress has reportedly been made in intelligence and investigations, including whistleblower provisions.

Education and information for athletes was also deemed to have improved, along with results management.

“WADA’s partnership programme is crucial to strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of NADOs worldwide by fostering a spirit of cooperation, collaboration and trust between nations,” said Mekonnen Yidersal, ETH-NADO chief executive.

The partnership is also claimed to be beneficial for SAIDS, in areas such as up skilling staff and highlighting where the organisation’s own programmes could be developed.

WADA said ETH-NADO have now committed to helping other developing NADOs, having been mentored by SAIDS.

Director General Olivier Niggli said the partnership was one of several agreements which observed fruitfulness.