Project 053: Strengthening the National Legal Framework and Provision of Specialised Training on Biosafety and Biosecurity in Central Asian and South-East and Eastern Eur

Context

The spread of emergent diseases and invasive species has increased dramatically in recent years, with great potential impact on society as exemplified by the ongoing COVID19 pandemic.  Additionally, increasing transboundary movements, trade liberalisation, and concerns about food safety and the environment - have heightened the need for international cooperation in controlling and managing transboundary pests and diseases. At the same time, biosafety and biosecurity systems require to be up to date with international standards and staff needs proper training and knowledge.

Overall objective

The overall objective is to enhance biosafety and biosecurity capacities within the Central Asia.

Specific objectives

1. To raise awareness and promote collaboration regarding biosafety, biosecurity;
2. To support strengthening of the biosafety/biosecurity national legal systems;
3. To assess training needs, capabilities and capacities to provide training and improve overall biosafety/biosecurity capabilities and capacities;
4. To develop and implement regional self-sustainable training systems for biosafety/biosecurity.

Activities

1. Awareness raising events;
2. Training sessions and workshops;
3. Provision of biosafety equipment and supplies.

Achievements

• 7 country-specific awareness raising events, 2 Central Asia regional events, and 1 inter-regional conference organised with Biosafety Association of Central Asia and the Caucuses (BACAC);
• 88 trainers were trained to be a trainer on biosafety / biosecurity issues in 7 workshops, one workshop for each partner country;
• These newly trained trainers conducted more than 70 training workshops in reaching more than 1200 experts, specialists (medical, veterinary, policy makers, etc);
• Over 1.6 million EUR in biosafety equipment and supplies were provided (RT-PCR equipment, genome sequencers, BSC-testing equipment, Flexible Film Isolators, basic lab equipment, personal protective equipment, diagnostics kits/supplies);
• Over 950k EUR of COVID19 related supplies and equipment provided to CA and SEEE partner countries in 2020 – 2021;
• Over 1700 specialists (medical, laboratory, border guards, etc) were trained in COVID19 biosafety issues or diagnostics in close to 150 workshops by trainers from CA and SEEE previously trained in P53 (CA trainers) or other international training programs.