Biosecurity threats are on the rise globally, it's time for Africa to act

Newly opened DK Lab that has cutting-edge diagnostic machines that can handle a wide range of tests, from routine blood work to complex genetic testing. [Chebet Birir, Standard]

Our society is increasingly facing threats and risks of catastrophic biological events.

The emergency and re-emergence of infectious diseases and other occurrences of public health concern are related to rapid advances in technology that can potentially be used for the creation and manipulation of pathogens with pandemic potential.

Further, the interconnectedness of the world, increased movement of people and animals within and across national boundaries and increase in interest by terrorist groups are all potential sources of biological threats.

This, however, is happening at a time when the capacity of African Union member states is sub-optimal in combating such threats. Global indices including the 2020-2023 World Health Organisation Joint External Evaluation (average score in Biosafety 40 per cent) and 2021 Global Health Index report (only two countries South Africa and Kenya score 50 per cent), paint a grim picture.

This incapacity continued post Covid-19 pandemic as observed during the recent Marburg and Mpox outbreaks. There are key drivers of success on biosecurity capacities including prevention of misuse through loss, theft, diversion or intentional release of pathogens, toxins and other biological materials.

The creation of a conducive legislative environment for implementation and compliance of biosecurity requirements is key. The Global Health Security (GHS) index reported that as many as 80 per cent of countries do not have biosecurity policies, let alone legislation that comprehensively cover all biosecurity aspects from human to animal and the environment. Given the multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary nature of biosecurity, having a central coordinating structure, with legislative authority is critical. Adequate, appropriately trained and skilled professionals are key drivers of effective implementation of biosecurity programmes.

Without sustainable investments in biosecurity to handle pandemic-prone pathogens, no major shifts in capacity can be expected. African countries should change tact on how to deal with these threats.

The use of influential regional political organs and structures is one effective way of building consensus. In light of this, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led the implementation of a Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity Initiative whose goal is to strengthen the capacities of African Union member states to comply with international requirements such as the International Health Regulations (IHR), United Nations Security Council Resolution 1450, Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the multi-country Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA).

Such an approach has had some impact. For example, a Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity Legislative Framework was developed through an iterative, consultative process through organised Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity Technical Working Groups (RBB-TWGs). Political endorsement was achieved through approval of the Legislative Framework by structures within the African Union including the Specialised Technical Committee (STCC) on Health, Population and Drug Control, STCC Justice and Legal Affairs and recognition by the Heads of State during their 2022 Lusaka summit.

Such regional consensus and political endorsement paved the way for domestication at the national level, which has already taken place in Burkina Faso, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Sierra Leone and Zambia among others.

To date, over 100 experts have been certified and listed on the African Union Register of Biosafety and Biosecurity Experts under areas of specialisation of Biorisk Management, Biological Waste Management, Biocontainment Management and Biological Safety Cabinets Certification. 

Still, effective galvanising support of a diverse African continent is tedious and requires long-term sustainable financing. However, leadership from a recognised continental body like the African CDC helps in buy-in at the national level for smoothening domestication. When well-coordinated, regional approaches also allow synergies at national and regional levels.