Experts specializing in biosafety and biosecurity in Nigeria have called for a unified approach involving shared accountability, early detection, swift intervention, and collaboration across multiple sectors to effectively address global health challenges.
They emphasized that safeguarding global health security hinges on joint efforts to anticipate, identify, and manage public health risks.
These insights were shared during the 8th Conference of the Nigerian Biological Safety Association (NIBSA).
In his keynote speech titled “Enhancing Global Health Security: Innovations in Biosafety and Biosecurity,” Prof. Jesse Uneke, Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University, underscored the necessity of collective action in preventing, detecting, and responding to health threats worldwide.
Prof. Uneke identified key threats to global health security, including infectious disease outbreaks, the effects of globalization, and the rise of antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
He also highlighted the critical role of biosafety and biosecurity advancements, pointing to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and rapid diagnostic tools as pivotal in strengthening health defenses.
Air Commodore Raymond Nwankwo, Director of Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Agency in Abuja, delivered a message on “The Future of Bio-Integrated Security: Safeguarding People, Pathogens, and Data,” stressing the integration of biological sciences, technological innovation, and security measures.
He advocated for thorough risk evaluations, meticulous inventory control, and the use of biological safety cabinets to enhance protection.
Dr. Stella Ngozi Udo, President of NIBSA, encouraged attendees to engage with a resolute mindset aimed at advancing public health outcomes.
Dr. Agha Ukpai Agha, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, explained that this year’s conference theme was deliberately selected to address the pressing need to confront emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases that continue to trigger outbreaks and pandemics globally.
In their goodwill messages, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, called for strong leadership, enhanced disease monitoring systems, and effective policy enforcement to bolster health security.
