Strengthening Biorisk Management Capacities in Burkina Faso: Contribution of the Global Health Security Agenda

Abstract

The Global Health Security Agenda and the International Health Regulations (2005) recommend that countries strengthen the capacity of their national laboratory systems to comply with the International Health Regulations. To efficiently and effectively direct these efforts, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Directorate of Laboratories, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine, and Integrated Quality Laboratory Service—assessed Burkina Faso's national laboratory system using the World Health Organization Laboratory Assessment Tool . Based on gaps observed in biorisk management, the Biosafety and Biosecurity Laboratory Assessment Tool (BSS LAT) was developed to assess 10 public laboratories handling dangerous pathogens. This tool uses a specific scoring matrix with quantitative output. Composite assessment scores for the 9 primary modules (capacity areas) were reported, with the highest scores reported in cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, waste management (42%), and good laboratory practices (40%), and the lowest scores in biosecurity/biosafety (33%), documents/regulations (18%), emergency management (16%), and risk management (5%). To address challenges identified in the assessments, a set of activities was planned with a focus on biorisk management. Results from an evaluation conducted 1 year later, using the BSS LAT, showed an increase in the average score of all indicators from 25% to 45% and an increase in the biorisk management module score from 5% to 35%. This evaluation process was a decisive step toward strengthening the capacity of the laboratory system in Burkina Faso. Global Health Security Agenda investments and activities have made a lasting impact on improving biosafety and biosecurity in public health laboratories. To ensure sustainability, a strong laboratory quality management program based on a mentorship system is greatly needed.

A Situation Analysis of the Capacity of Laboratories in Zambia to Conduct Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges

“…Our findings and those reported in other studies indicate the need to conduct frequent assessments and monitoring of biosafety and biosecurity in laboratories [87]. Hence, there is a critical need to strengthen biorisk management in laboratories to reduce and tackle infections [82,88].…”

A Multilingual Tool for Standardized Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Assessment and Monitoring

“…The detailed experience from Burkina Faso and how the BSS LAT was used in a global approach to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity capacities at national and regional levels is detailed in a joint publication. 25 The assessment process was a decisive step in the selection of activities that were more likely to improve the laboratory system in Burkina Faso.…”

“…The BSS LAT has been used for various aims in different settings and at different levels, which (1) contributed to minor enhancements and simplifications to make it both comprehensive and straightforward and (2) clearly demonstrated important outcomes and benefits for strengthening biosafety and biosecurity capacities—the most detailed example of which is the experience from Burkina Faso. 25 The BSS LAT was designed so that it can be used in any infectious disease laboratory at national or regional levels, and can be used by either external assessors or by laboratories for self-assessment.…”