Safeguarding biosafety and biosecurity in laboratories
In biosafety level II laboratory setting, a medical scientist is working on RT-PCR method for the testing of the novel coronavirus at Department of Medical Sciences.
Overview
Member States to develop capacities to identify, store and securely handle dangerous biological agents and toxins according to international best practices.
Although biosafety & biosecurity awareness and expertise has improved greatly in the past few decades through the availability more effective safety equipment and automated diagnostic technologies it remains one of the weakest core capacities of Member States identified by IHR monitoring and evaluation activities.
WHO helps Member States build their national biosafety and biosecurity capacity through guidance documents, tools, technical assistance, and resource mobilization. This includes supporting trainings on biological risk management; sharing best practices through workshops and meetings; providing regulatory frameworks; and ensuring biological agents are transported safely.
During disease outbreaks countries also need to have the capacity and expertise to safely transport infectious substances between national, regional or international laboratories as outlined in the International Health Regulations. WHO has developed guidance and training resources on the transport of infectious substances to help shippers and other personnel comply with the United Nations Model Regulations for the transport of infectious substances.
