Level 3 laboratory for COVID-19 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) culture for cytopathic effect (CPE) at National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL).
Strengthening the global health security interface
WHO’s vision is a world where all people attain the highest possible standard of health and well-being. Its mission, to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, includes making one billion more people better protected against health emergencies.
Within the mandates of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) and resolutions WHA55.16 (2002) and WHA74.7 (2021), WHO is a key leader of global public health responses to acute health security events, including in cases where the deliberate use of biological materials and chemicals to cause harm is suspected or confirmed. WHO interacts with multiple sectors, including security sector partners, within its public health mission and mandate, to prepare for and respond to global health security risks of any origin.
In this context, the Biosecurity and Health Security Protection (BSP) Unit works to:
- strengthen WHO’s leadership in the public health response to natural, accidental or deliberate events;
- strengthen and improve WHO’s relationships in the health and the security interface at international levels;
- assess emerging scientific and technological trends for their health security implications; and
- conduct capacity building at national, regional and global levels for preparedness and response to acute health security crises.
WHO and its Member States continue to consult and cooperate closely on developing common understandings and appropriate strategies at the global health security interface, including through the identification of needs, gaps and synergies in the effective preparedness and response for current and future health security emergencies.
