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Booklet
State of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity in the SADC Region
Year of Publication : 2025
Language : en
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Abstract (English) : The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) undertook a consensus study to assess the status of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity systems across the 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. Specifically, the study aimed to map existing legal frameworks, organisational structures, and infrastructure, and further identify gaps and opportunities to strengthen regional health security. The study utilised desktop research, expert consultations, and stakeholder workshops as approaches to obtain information.
The study revealed both positive progress and persistent challenges. Key findings show that while many countries possess containment laboratories, some having made strides in developing legislation frameworks, biosafety and biosecurity governance remains fragmented, often lacking formal national coordination across various roleplaying departments and institutions. Diagnostic and accreditation capabilities are largely confined to national reference laboratories, and the region faces shortages in skilled laboratory personnel in both human and veterinary services and sample management systems, including transport and waste management.
To address the challenges, the report calls for harmonised national legal frameworks across government departments, improved infrastructure, strengthened regional collaboration, and targeted investments in human and technical capacity. The adoption of the One Health approach and leveraging existing partnerships will be essential for building resilient regional biosafety and biosecurity system capable of responding effectively to health emergencies and infectious disease threats.
Description : 5 pages
Publisher : Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Citation : Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2025). State of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity in the SADC Region. Policy brief. DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2025/119
Sponsorship : Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Peer Review Status : Peer-Reviewed
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