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In a time of evolving global health threats, safeguarding against biological and other weapons of mass destruction has become an urgent priority. Many African countries lack the capacity to deal with these threats and in April 2019, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched an initiative to strengthen the biosecurity and biosafety systems of African Union Member States to comply with the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540[1]. In alignment to this bio-threat reduction targeted effort, the Africa CDC in close collaboration with the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (Global Partnership) has developed and is implementing a Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa (SIMBA)[2].  

The Global Partnership, established in 2002, exemplifies this mission by fostering international collaboration to mitigate the risks posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. This partnership prioritizes the safe management of dangerous pathogens, particularly in high-containment laboratories, and promotes practices that reduce the risk of misuse, strengthening health security worldwide.

A United Response to Biological Threats

The misuse of CBRN materials by non-state actors remains one of the gravest threats to international peace and stability. To counter this, SIMBA unites Global Partnership and African countries, institutions, and experts in a proactive approach to biosafety and biosecurity. Through projects that prioritise the secure handling of biological materials and the enforcement of rigorous safety protocols, the SIMBA seeks to ensure that hazardous substances are managed responsibly, safeguarding both global health and international security.

BIOSECURITY THREAT ASSESSMENT IN LATIN AMERICA: CICTE/OAS AND UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND LAUNCHED NEW RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

While the level of terrorist threats to biosecurity in Latin America remains relatively low, implementing internal measures and national biosafety and biosecurity regulations in laboratories and research centers is crucial. This is an essential step to prevent both intentional and unintentional biological accidents, mitigate risks, and prepare adequate responses in the event of an accident. Despite the experiences of the H1N1 epidemic in 2009 and the more recent COVID-19 pandemic, the region has shown vulnerability to biological threats.

The project titled "Strengthening Biosafety and Biosecurity in Latin America in line with Resolution 1540," conducted over the past years by the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the Organization of American States (CICTE/OAS) with the support of the European Union, aimed to lay the foundations for a stronger biosafety culture. The project also sought to create a Latin American network of expertise and strengthen biosafety and biosecurity standards and measures across the region.

In the context of the project, CICTE/OAS collaborated with the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland. This collaboration resulted in the development of two free online courses in Spanish for laboratory personnel and, more recently, a series of publications showcasing the findings and results of a regional survey of potential biosecurity threats in Latin America.

This two-pronged effort included a comprehensive biosecurity threat assessment of the Central and South American region and four country-level threat assessments for Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Panama. These texts, in Spanish and English, provide a high-level assessment of the region for policy-focused individuals and those responsible for working in or managing the activities of laboratories, reviewing the current situation and assessing future challenges.

By way of background, a 2013 initial publication issued in Spanish, covered the scope and interrelationship of various biosafety and biosecurity concepts, existing international obligations to biosecurity through the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and UN Security Council Resolution 1540, the application of biosecurity across different facility types, and biosecurity risks such as proliferation, bioterrorism, agroterrorism, and bio-crime. Additionally, the publication discusses the five pillars and mechanisms of biosecurity and their application in the region.

The four countries featured in these studies have demonstrated a strong commitment to bio-risk reduction at all levels of the public and private sectors in creating safer environments. CICTE/OAS has facilitated cooperation within various funded programs, including peer review exercises and sub-regional and national workshops on biosafety and biosecurity. These reports aim to contribute to further strengthening controls and developing safer activities in handling biological agents to reduce security risks.

It is expected that these works will serve as effective tools for other countries in the region moving in a similar direction, aiding them in consolidating regulatory and control mechanisms in accordance with established international standards. CICTE/OAS expresses gratitude to the experts who participated in the project, sharing their knowledge and experiences, as well as the national authorities of all the involved countries for their trust, solid commitment, and ongoing work in strengthening compliance with international obligations.

Through these publications, CICTE/OAS reaffirms its traditional institutional support for the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime. The organization continues to express its willingness to collaborate in efforts aimed at ensuring greater regional security from multiple perspectives for all countries in the Americas.

The publications can be found and downloaded here: https://www.oas.org/ext/es/seguridad/unscr1540

One of the main focus of the EU-funded project is delivering in-person workshops. In the last six months, OAS/CICTE carried out seven face-to-face training courses for laboratory personnel and scientists from the live science fields. These workshops were designed to increase awareness of bio-risks and to strengthen knowledge on the challenges concerning biological safety and security. These courses took place, respectively, in Asuncion (Paraguay) from 17 to 21 April, Panama City (Panama) from 5 to 9 June, Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) from 17 to 21 July, Bogotá (Colombia) from 24 to 28 July, Buenos Aires (Argentina) from 7 to 11 August, Montevideo (Uruguay) from 8 to 11 August, and Santiago (Chile) from 4 to 8 September. On average, some 30 participants from public or private institutions and research centers attended each of these courses.

Training in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 17-21, 2023 Professionals from: 12 laboratories, 7 hospitals, 4 health government agencies and 11 academia

Safeguarding Health Security Through the Strengthening of Biosafety and Biosecurity Systems

[1] Africa CDC Biosafety and Biosecurity Initiative: https://africacdc.org/programme/laboratory-systems-and-networks/biosafety-and-biosecurity/#:~:text=In%20April%202019%2C%20Africa%20CDC,Council%20Resolution%20(UNSCR)%201540.

[2] Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa (SIMBA): https://www.gpwmd.com/africa-signature-initiative

NICD’s Role in Global Health Security

At the forefront of these efforts is South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), a division of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) whose programmes and initiatives align closely with the SIMBA goals. NICD’s specialised biosafety and biosecurity operations contribute directly to strengthening global health security. Through training, risk management services, and expertise in high-level biocontainment, NICD serves as a linchpin in ensuring that potentially harmful biological agents are managed safely and securely within Africa and beyond.

By providing these specialised services, NICD contributes significantly to the safe and secure operation of containment laboratories, an essential defence against the misuse of biological agents. Its reach extends internationally, as NICD has built the capacity to support biorisk specialists across Africa and in various parts of the world, fostering resilience against biological risks and fortifying public health defences globally. These capacity building activities are led by the Regional Diagnostic Demonstration Centre (RDDC), which was certified by the Africa CDC as the first Regional Centre of Excellence for Biosafety and Biosecurity (RCoEBB), and primarily supports the Southern Africa Region.

Securing the Transfer of Biological Materials

A key aspect of NICD’s contribution to global health security is the close management and oversight of biological sample movements. This is demonstrated by the close management of sample movements by the institute, and in 2023, the NICD administered import and export permits , issued to it by the National Department of Health, for 953 transfers involving 41,182 samples between South Africa and 62 countries. This meticulous process ensures that all movements comply with stringent biosafety standards, preventing the misuse of biological materials, safeguarding public health, and reinforcing SIMBA’s commitment to health security.

Building a Secure Future through International Cooperation

Through its robust biosafety and biosecurity initiatives, the NICD exemplifies the GPWMD’s mission to curb the proliferation of CBRN materials and secure global health systems. The NICD’s efforts to advance safe practices in high-containment laboratories, enforce stringent pathogen management, and foster international cooperation underscore the power of collective action in countering CBRN threats. In a world faced with complex biological risks, the efforts of the NICD, together with regional and international collaborating partners championing initiatives such as SIMBA, play a vital role in creating a resilient health security network. Through strengthened biosafety and biosecurity systems, these efforts ensure that high-consequence pathogens are responsibly managed and that the global community remains vigilant, prepared, and united against the potential misuse of biological agents.

Advancing Global Preparedness with UNSGM Training

Another vital initiative is NICD’s collaboration with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism (UNSGM) to equip global experts with the skills to respond to potential biological weapon incidents. Through RDDC, NICD hosts annual training sessions, helping UNSGM experts develop proficiency in biological material investigation, sampling, risk management, and forensic analysis. This training strengthens the UNSGM’s readiness and fosters a collaborative international network prepared to respond swiftly to biological threats.

Empowering Experts through Comprehensive Training

NICD’s UNSGM training programme immerses participants in essential topics such as biological material investigation; PPE selection, donning and doffing; environmental sampling; risk assessment; and forensics. These sessions enhance technical skills while also cultivating a global network of experts, reinforcing operational preparedness and collective resilience against biosecurity threats. Participants consistently praise the programme’s depth and the professionalism of NICD’s trainers, underscoring the training’s impact on global biosecurity capacity.

In a time of evolving global health threats, safeguarding against biological and other weapons of mass destruction has become an urgent priority. Many African countries lack the capacity to deal with these threats and in April 2019, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched an initiative to strengthen the biosecurity and biosafety systems of African Union Member States to comply with the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540[1]. In alignment to this bio-threat reduction targeted effort, the Africa CDC in close collaboration with the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (Global Partnership) has developed and is implementing a Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa (SIMBA)[2].  

The Global Partnership, established in 2002, exemplifies this mission by fostering international collaboration to mitigate the risks posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. This partnership prioritises the safe management of dangerous pathogens, particularly in high-containment laboratories, and promotes practices that reduce the risk of misuse, strengthening health security worldwide.

A United Response to Biological Threats

The misuse of CBRN materials by non-state actors remains one of the gravest threats to international peace and stability. To counter this, SIMBA unites Global Partnership and African countries, institutions, and experts in a proactive approach to biosafety and biosecurity. Through projects that prioritise the secure handling of biological materials and the enforcement of rigorous safety protocols, the SIMBA seeks to ensure that hazardous substances are managed responsibly, safeguarding both global health and international security.

NICD’s Role in Global Health Security

At the forefront of these efforts is South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), a division of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) whose programmes and initiatives align closely with the SIMBA goals. NICD’s specialised biosafety and biosecurity operations contribute directly to strengthening global health security. Through training, risk management services, and expertise in high-level biocontainment, NICD serves as a linchpin in ensuring that potentially harmful biological agents are managed safely and securely within Africa and beyond.

By providing these specialised services, NICD contributes significantly to the safe and secure operation of containment laboratories, an essential defence against the misuse of biological agents. Its reach extends internationally, as NICD has built the capacity to support biorisk specialists across Africa and in various parts of the world, fostering resilience against biological risks and fortifying public health defences globally. These capacity building activities are led by the Regional Diagnostic Demonstration Centre (RDDC), which was certified by the Africa CDC as the first Regional Centre of Excellence for Biosafety and Biosecurity (RCoEBB), and primarily supports the Southern Africa Region.

Securing the Transfer of Biological Materials

A key aspect of NICD’s contribution to global health security is the close management and oversight of biological sample movements. This is demonstrated by the close management of sample movements by the institute, and in 2023, the NICD administered import and export permits , issued to it by the National Department of Health, for 953 transfers involving 41,182 samples between South Africa and 62 countries. This meticulous process ensures that all movements comply with stringent biosafety standards, preventing the misuse of biological materials, safeguarding public health, and reinforcing SIMBA’s commitment to health security.

Advancing Global Preparedness with UNSGM Training

Another vital initiative is NICD’s collaboration with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism (UNSGM) to equip global experts with the skills to respond to potential biological weapon incidents. Through RDDC, NICD hosts annual training sessions, helping UNSGM experts develop proficiency in biological material investigation, sampling, risk management, and forensic analysis. This training strengthens the UNSGM’s readiness and fosters a collaborative international network prepared to respond swiftly to biological threats.

Empowering Experts through Comprehensive Training

NICD’s UNSGM training programme immerses participants in essential topics such as biological material investigation; PPE selection, donning and doffing; environmental sampling; risk assessment; and forensics. These sessions enhance technical skills while also cultivating a global network of experts, reinforcing operational preparedness and collective resilience against biosecurity threats. Participants consistently praise the programme’s depth and the professionalism of NICD’s trainers, underscoring the training’s impact on global biosecurity capacity.

Building a Secure Future through International Cooperation

Through its robust biosafety and biosecurity initiatives, the NICD exemplifies the GPWMD’s mission to curb the proliferation of CBRN materials and secure global health systems. The NICD’s efforts to advance safe practices in high-containment laboratories, enforce stringent pathogen management, and foster international cooperation underscore the power of collective action in countering CBRN threats. In a world faced with complex biological risks, the efforts of the NICD, together with regional and international collaborating partners championing initiatives such as SIMBA, play a vital role in creating a resilient health security network. Through strengthened biosafety and biosecurity systems, these efforts ensure that high-consequence pathogens are responsibly managed and that the global community remains vigilant, prepared, and united against the potential misuse of biological agents.

By Mr Zibusiso Masuku, Head of the Division of Biosafety and Biosecurity, National Institute for Communicable Diseases

[1] Africa CDC Biosafety and Biosecurity Initiative: https://africacdc.org/programme/laboratory-systems-and-networks/biosafety-and-biosecurity/#:~:text=In%20April%202019%2C%20Africa%20CDC,Council%20Resolution%20(UNSCR)%201540.

[2] Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa (SIMBA): https://www.gpwmd.com/africa-signature-initiative