Help and guidance
Frequently asked questions
Straightforward answers about AMOCAD, anti-doping controls, athlete rights and official channels.
AMOCAD (Mozambican Anti-Doping Agency) is the public institute created in 2014 by government regulation to apply the World Anti-Doping Code in Mozambican sport. Its main functions include:
- Planning and carrying out anti-doping controls, in and out of competition;
- Managing test results and conducting disciplinary proceedings in case of violations;
- Reviewing and granting Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) to athletes requiring controlled medication;
- Publishing and updating annually the list of prohibited substances and methods;
- Promoting education and prevention programmes for athletes, coaches and federations;
- Representing Mozambique with international bodies such as WADA and the Olympic Committee.
AMOCAD stands out from other sports entities for several reasons:
- Exclusive legal mandate: it is the only public entity with a national mandate to apply the World Anti-Doping Code in Mozambique;
- Dual approach: it combines enforcement (controls and testing) with preventive education, rather than acting only punitively;
- International cooperation: it works with national partners (Ministry of Sport, federations) and international bodies (WADA, Olympic Committee);
- Accessible communication: it seeks to translate the complex technical rules of the World Anti-Doping Code into clear language for athletes, coaches and the general public;
- Transparency: it publicly provides regulations, prohibited lists and confidential reporting channels.
AMOCAD's institutional identity consists of the following elements, which should be used consistently across all official materials and channels:
- Institutional logo: the agency's official symbol, used in the header and footer of the website and in official documents;
- Official colour palette: inspired by Mozambican national colours, applied to buttons, highlights and navigation elements;
- Document templates: templates for press releases, reports and official correspondence;
- Public tone of voice: clear, institutional and accessible language, avoiding excessive technical jargon;
- Official communication channels: institutional website, general email (geral@amocad.gov.mz), telephone and social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).
The anti-doping control process follows a standardised protocol defined by the World Anti-Doping Code and can take place in or out of competition:
- Notification: the athlete is personally notified by a doping control officer, who explains the process and their rights;
- Escort: from notification, the athlete is accompanied by a chaperone to the collection station to ensure sample integrity;
- Sample collection: the athlete provides a urine and/or blood sample under direct supervision, divided into sealed containers (sample A and sample B);
- Documentation: the athlete completes and signs a control form, recording any medication or supplements taken recently;
- Laboratory analysis: samples are sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory for analysis;
- Out of competition: athletes in the testing pool can be tested at any time, without prior notice, including at home or at the training venue.
AMOCAD provides confidential channels to receive reports of possible anti-doping violations:
- Reporting form: available on the Contact page, with an option for anonymous submission;
- Direct channels: institutional email (geral@amocad.gov.mz), telephone and WhatsApp indicated in the website footer;
- Information to share: whenever possible, provide concrete facts — date, location, people involved and context of the suspicion — avoiding speculation;
- Confidentiality: all reports are handled with confidentiality, protecting the identity of the reporter;
- Follow-up: AMOCAD evaluates the information received and, if necessary, initiates a formal investigation process.