Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Good Laboratory Practice at the African Institute for Research in Infectious Diseases (AIRID), Cotonou, Benin

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a quality system governing how non-clinical health and environmental safety studies are planned, conducted, monitored, recorded, and reported. GLP is a key requirement for regulatory evaluation, particularly for the prequalification of public health products by the World Health Organization.

GLP ensures:

• Data integrity and traceability
• Compliance with WHO Prequalification (PQ) requirements, where core efficacy and safety data are expected from GLP-compliant studies
• International acceptance of data (OECD standards)
• Credible and reliable evidence for regulatory and policy decision-making

Yes. AIRID operates an OECD GLP-compliant facility accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), recognised through international inspection frameworks.

• Established as the first OECD GLP-compliant vector control evaluation facility in West Africa (2019)
• Remains the only GLP-accredited test facility in Benin
• Holds GLP accreditation under Facility No. G028 issued by SANAS, now registered in the name of AIRID
• Maintains compliance through routine external inspections and ongoing quality assurance oversight

Partners are encouraged to independently verify GLP compliance through the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), which maintains official records of accredited test facilities.

To confirm GLP status, partners should:

• Verify the test facility listing and accreditation details on the SANAS website
• Contact the nominated representatives of the test facility as listed on SANAS to confirm accreditation status where necessary
• Request the GLP certificate and defined scope of compliance
• Confirm the test facility name, accreditation number , and study location
• Review the current inspection and accreditation status, if required

AIRID maintains a policy of full transparency and will provide all relevant GLP documentation upon request.

AIRID specialises in GLP-compliant efficacy studies of vector control products across the full evaluation pathway:

• Laboratory studies
• Semi-field and flight room studies
• Experimental hut trials
• Community-level evaluations

AIRID's GLP scope focuses on efficacy testing of vector control products (ITNs, spatial emanators, IRS, ATSBs, larvicides, etc.), with integrated capabilities in analytical chemistry (including active ingredient quantification) and molecular analysis of insect vectors.

The scope can also be extended to cover other health products, as required, in line with regulatory needs and facility capabilities.

To initiate a GLP study, sponsors are expected to provide an overview of the product and intended evaluation, including:

• Product description and specifications
• Safety data sheets (SDS)
• Study concept or protocol if available
• Regulatory objectives (e.g. WHO Prequalification, national registration)
• Expected timelines and deliverables

All information shared with AIRID is handled under strict confidentiality and, where applicable, formal confidentiality agreements.

AIRID then develops a study outline and implementation timeline, which are shared with the sponsor together with a detailed quotation. Upon approval of the quotation and establishment of a contract, AIRID assigns a Study Director, develops a full GLP-compliant protocol, and initiates the study once the protocol has been reviewed and signed by all parties.

A GLP final report provides a complete and auditable record of the study, including:

• The approved study protocol and any amendments
• A detailed description of methods and procedures
• Summarised results, including raw data and statistical analyses
• Quality Assurance (QA) statements and inspection records
• A signed statement from the Study Director confirming the integrity of the study
• A Certificate of Affirmation signed by the Facility Manager, confirming the study was conducted within AIRID's GLP-compliant facility

This ensures full traceability, transparency, and readiness for regulatory review and audit.

Yes. AIRID has extensive experience supporting WHO Prequalification (PQ) submissions for vector control and other public health products.

AIRID provides:

• Generation of GLP-compliant efficacy data across laboratory, semi-field, and field settings
• Technical advisory support for dossier preparation, including alignment with WHO PQ requirements

AIRID can also work directly with companies throughout the PQ process, providing end-to-end support from study design and data generation to preparation and strengthening of submission dossiers.

Yes. AIRID collaborates with partners on GLP studies under clearly defined regulatory and operational frameworks.

• GLP compliance applies only to activities conducted within an approved GLP system
• Work can be conducted under AIRID's GLP system or in collaboration with other recognised GLP-certified facilities, as appropriate
• Depending on the sponsor's needs, AIRID can coordinate product testing across multiple GLP sites to support generation of complete datasets in line with WHO PQ requirements
• Roles, responsibilities, and GLP accountability are clearly defined through formal agreements

AIRID ensures that all collaborative studies maintain full compliance, traceability, and regulatory acceptability.

Yes. AIRID conducts both:

• GLP studies, designed for regulatory purposes
• Non-GLP or exploratory studies, supporting research and product development

However, only studies conducted in full compliance with GLP standards can be designated and reported as GLP studies.

For all GLP enquiries, please contact: