Experts Call for Stronger Biosafety Systems to Tackle Global Health Threats
.... Stakeholders Advocate for Prevention, Innovation, and Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
By Ugo Ewa
Leading experts in biosafety, biosecurity, and public health have called for stronger preventive frameworks and more resilient health systems to address emerging and re-emerging global health threats.
The call was made during the 8th National Biosafety and Biosecurity Stakeholders Conference (NIBSA), held on September 25 at the Women Development Centre, Abuja. The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, security experts, and health professionals to chart a path toward stronger health security in Nigeria and across Africa.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Advancing Global Health Security: Innovations in Biosafety and Biosecurity,” Professor Jesse Uneke, Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, emphasized that ensuring global health security demands coordinated, cross-border, and multi-sectoral action.
“We must be able to prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to public health threats. Global health security is a shared responsibility,” Uneke stated.
He identified major global health risks—including infectious disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, and the impacts of globalization—and highlighted the critical role of innovation. He pointed to technologies like artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and rapid diagnostics as essential tools for enhancing biosafety and biosecurity frameworks.
In a presentation titled “The Future of Bio-Integrated Security: Protecting People, Pathogens, and Data,” Air Commodore Raymond C. Nwankwo, Director of Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Agency, advocated for integrating biology, technology, and security. He called for comprehensive risk assessments, accurate pathogen inventory systems, and the appropriate use of biological safety equipment to reduce bio-threats.
NIBSA President, Dr. Stella Ngozi Udo, urged stakeholders to demonstrate greater commitment to improving public health outcomes through science-driven innovation and capacity building.
Other experts presented cutting-edge perspectives on biosafety advancements:
- Dr. Chukwu Otuh Okoh Chukwu addressed waste management as a preventive medicine strategy in his presentation, “Improving Preventive Medicine: Strategies for Hazard Reduction through Effective Waste Management.”
- Ms. Pamela Inkoba West focused on laboratory resilience with “Strengthening Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Systems in Africa.”
- Prof. Maxwell Nwachukwu Opara emphasized risk assessment and training in “Advancing Biosafety Practices in Research Development: Containment, Risk Assessment, and Personnel Training.”
- SLP Mohammed Sani Maishanu, Sector Commander of the IGP Special Taskforce on PIB, discussed the “One Health Approach to Biosafety and Biosecurity: Integrating Human, Animal, and Environmental Health.”
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Agha Ukpai Agha, explained that this year’s theme reflects the pressing need to combat the increasing frequency and severity of infectious disease outbreaks globally.
High-profile dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, delivered goodwill messages, emphasizing government commitment to health security and environmental safety.
The conference concluded with key recommendations, including:
- Strengthened national leadership in biosafety governance
- Enhanced disease surveillance and data integration
- Improved laboratory practices and personnel training
- Effective implementation of health and environmental policies
These strategies aim to create a resilient biosafety framework that can safeguard public health, support scientific advancement, and prepare Nigeria and Africa for future pandemics.
