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Package of 5 Scoping Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa to Improve Biosecurity and Biosafety

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Package of 5 Scoping Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa to Improve Biosecurity and Biosafety

The primary objectives of these projects are to strengthen disease surveillance, detection systems and the capacity to respond to biological events across Africa, especially in regions where the presence of violent extremist organisations (VEOs), sub-optimal health infrastructure and endemic pathogens combine to increase security concerns. These projects directly link to the Global Partnership Africa Signature Initiative

  1. Avian influenza Virus (AIV) and Newcastle Disease Virus (DIV) diagnostics and surveillance capacity building in West Africa: This project will work with potential partner countries in West Africa to review existing capabilities, and to assess regional developmental needs and gaps and determine capacity building requirements, laboratory systems and training requirements. A targeted regional training programme will be established, initially focussed on surveillance and frontline diagnostics for Avian Influenza Virus and Newcastle Disease Virus, with the aim of strengthening regional disease control and reporting.
  2. Surveillance and control vector borne disease: capacity building in West Africa: ecology of disease vectors and their control: A training programme will be developed, focused on the control of high consequence pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors (e.g. mosquitoes, ticks). The aim of the programme will be to inform, educate and encourage collaboration between public and veterinary health professionals working on vector-borne diseases in West Africa, and to strengthen regional disease surveillance and control of vector borne diseases of potential security concern.
  3. Brucella diagnostics and surveillance capacity building in East Africa: supporting the safe and effective control of Brucellosis in Africa: Existing links with Rwanda, and the APHA International Brucella Reference Laboratory’s (IRL) experience of working with East African partners will be used to develop a network of East African countries to control brucellosis by strengthening national diagnostics and surveillance capabilities. A pathway will be developed for national brucellosis surveillance and control and brucella test kits will be provided to the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture laboratory. APHA will provide confirmatory testing of Rwandan samples at their IRL, as well as training in diagnostic methods.
  4. Assessment of existing animal health surveillance systems in Africa: There is a need to map and evaluate surveillance systems in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) in order to define their capability and sensitivity to detect pathogens and health hazards. APHA will assess existing animal health disease surveillance systems in Africa, identify capability gaps and recommend remedial action.
  5. Reduction of risks, hazards and threats of dual- use research of concern (DURC – i.e. research than has the potential to be misapplied to the extent of posing a security threat): This project will assess the potential for establishing a network of animal health laboratories to promote an understanding of: the risks associated with the misuse of biological agents; research with dual-use potential; the obligation to comply with accepted international standards and norms. In addition, the network will be used to encourage laboratories in LMICs to operate safely, securely and transparently.

Risk Area(s) covered

Biological

Activities

Emergency Preparedness/Response
Infrastructure/Equipment Support
Network Development/Outreach
Other
Technical Training

Beneficiary Countries

Beneficiary Regions

Africa
Eastern Africa
Middle Africa
Western Africa

Budget

223804 GBP

Status

Active, Ongoing
Start Date: January 1, 2023
End Date: 

ASI Database Release

2023.12

Providers and Implementers ?

Related Projects & Programs

Contacts

No Contacts Found

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