EU and Cambodia reaffirm partnership to address emerging biological risks in Southeast Asia on One Health Day

The growing threat of biological risks, including the rapid spread of diseases such as COVID-19, underscores the importance of strengthening laboratory capacities worldwide. The pandemic highlighted the need for advanced facilities and expertise to detect, contain, and mitigate health crises effectively. As part of its commitment to global health security, the European Union (EU) has supported collaborative efforts to enhance laboratory systems in Southeast Asia, focusing on preparedness and safety.

EU Ambassador's visit to Institut Pasteur of Cambodia

On November 3, in recognition of One Health Day, EU Ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans visited the Institut Pasteur of Cambodia (IPC), a World Health Organisation reference laboratory pivotal in the country's public health landscape. The visit highlighted the EU and Cambodia’s partnership to address emerging biological risk challenges through enhanced laboratory capacities.

Through its collaboration with the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), the EU recently supported IPC with the provision of advanced equipment to modernize its biological waste management procedures. Delivered in 2024, the two new devices - infectious waste pre-shredding and steam sterilization systems - bolster IPC's ability to handle hazardous materials safely, ensuring protection for laboratory personnel, the public, and the environment. 

“This specific equipment funded by the EU to mitigate biological risks will significantly enhance our capabilities in life science and health research on infectious diseases and emerging pathogens. The equipment will play a vital role in the automated handling of biohazardous waste from diagnostic and research activities, thereby improving our overall operability”

Prof. André SPIEGEL, Director Institut Pasteur of Cambodia

This initiative builds on earlier EU contributions that supported IPC to play a leading role in Cambodia's COVID-19 response, including its groundbreaking efforts in diagnostics and research during the pandemic.

See the visit photo gallery

Advancing health security: EU and Southeast Asia unite to combat emerging biological risks

The European Union supported the provision of equipment to the Institut Pasteur of Cambodia as part of MEDILABSECURE, a series (I, II, III) of flagship EU CBRN CoE projects aimed at strengthening laboratory capacities to manage biological risks across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean. 

Implemented within the framework of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence, MEDILABSECURE has fostered over the past decade innovation in public health by promoting collaboration between laboratories, governments, and international organizations. By providing tools, training, and expertise, the project addresses the risks posed by high-impact pathogens and vector-borne diseases while advancing the One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health strategies.

The EU continues its collaborative work with Cambodia through EU CBRN CoE Project 81 BIOSEC – ‘Enhanced biosecurity in Southeast Asia’. This project focuses on building capacities for managing high-risk pathogens securely in the region, applying internationally recognized methodologies, and developing tailored risk mitigation measures. IPC personnel, alongside Cambodian government laboratory staff, have received specialized training under the project to ensure the safe and secure handling of biological materials. 

Through its support via MEDILABSECURE and BIOSEC, the EU reaffirms its commitment to fostering resilient health systems and sustainable responses to biological risks in Cambodia and the Southeast Asia region.

To know more about the EU CBRN CoE support for CBRN risk mitigation in Southeast Asia, visit the SEA Regional Secretariat page.