Biosafety and biosecurity capacity building: insights from implementation of the NUITM-KEMRI biosafety training model

Abstract

The NUITM-KEMRI biosafety training program was developed for capacity building of new biosafety level three (BSL-3) laboratory users. The training program comprehensively covers biosafety and biosecurity theory and practice. Its training curriculum is based on the WHO biosafety guidelines, local biosafety standards, and ongoing biosafety level three research activities in the facility, also taking into consideration the emerging public health issues. The program’s training approach enhances the participant’s biosafety and biosecurity knowledge and builds their skills through the hands-on practice sessions and mentorship training. Subsequently, the trainees are able to integrate acquired knowledge and good practices into their routine laboratory procedures. This article describes implementation of the NUITM-KEMRI biosafety training program.

Strengthening laboratory biosafety in Liberia during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experience from the Global Laboratory Leadership Programme

“…Our workshops were effective in delivering the fundamental concepts of biosafety in the context of SARS-CoV-2 as evidenced by the significant improvement in the post test scores. This is in concordance with several published reports establishing the usefulness of biosafety-associated educational training sessions [ [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ].…”

Reasons for and barriers to biosafety and biosecurity training in health-related organizations in Africa, Middle East and Central Asia: findings from GIBACHT training needs assessments 2018-2019

“…In a study done in Korea, it was realized that several healthcare workers (HCWs) were infected with MERS-CoV during the MERS-CoV outbreak, with the major contributing factor being inadequate training in biosafety [ 12 ]. Capacity development in biosafety and biosecurity of personnel already in the workforce has been demonstrated by the NUITM-KEMRI biosafety training program over the years, with an aim of equipping laboratory personnel prior to their commencement of work at a biosafety level 3 laboratory [ 13 ]. Protection of the community and the immediate workplace was the rationale for biosafety and biosecurity training especially by those working at operational levels like districts.…”

“…Lack of trained personnel and lack of trainers of trainers in biosafety and biosecurity programs were also highlighted as major barriers. The need for biosafety and biosecurity training has been shown in various countries [ 13 , 25 ]. Skills imparted need to reach the frontline actors where the first contact with pathogens take place.…”

A Dangerous Loophole: the Biological Weapons Convention's New Interpretation that Better Addresses Potentially Deadly Biological Research

“…238 Using the WHO biosafety guidelines and local biosafety standards, Nigeria created the NUITM-KEMRI biosafety education program to teach laboratory workers the recommended WHO practices, in order to increase biosafety and biosecurity in BSL-3 laboratory research. 239 This demonstrates a State commitment to comply with global regulatory standards for biosafety and biosecurity. Further, in South Africa, policymakers mandated the Academy of Science of South Africa to conduct an analysis of biosafety and biosecurity in the State.…”