The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued new guidance to national authorities and biomedical laboratories on managing biological risks. As a vital component of health systems, laboratories are responsible for tasks ranging from patient diagnosis to research and development of treatments and vaccines. It is crucial that these facilities are properly designed, equipped, and staffed to ensure the safety of both the workforce and the community.
The updated guidance includes several measures aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, protecting confidential information, and reducing risks associated with emerging technologies such as genetic modification and artificial intelligence. In addition, it provides advice on maintaining lab safety during emergencies like wars, civil unrest, and natural disasters. The ultimate goal is to help countries establish frameworks for handling high-consequence pathogens while focusing on strong institutional governance through an Institutional Biosafety Committee.
To promote engagement and commitment from institutions and national authorities, WHO collaborated with stakeholders such as its collaborating centers and technical advisory groups like the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Biosafety (TAG-B). This approach helps mitigate risks associated with high-consequence pathogens and research work while ensuring legitimate biomedical research can continue to progress. Overall, the updated guidance aims to protect public health and safety while supporting advancements in the field of biomedicine.
