University don, Professor Nkem Torimiro, head of department of microbiology at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has advocated for building institutional capacity for bio-risk management within the framework for responsible medical sciences research in Africa.
She made this call at the annual general meeting and scientific conference hosted by the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Idi Araba, recently.
“Emerging technologies, particularly in fields such as gene editing and synthetic biology, present both unprecedented opportunities and significant risks that necessitate a proactive approach to risk assessment and mitigation.
“The integration of risk assessment, bio-safety protocols, and regulatory compliance is essential not only for protecting public health but also for preserving the integrity of scientific work.
The university don said “Researchers bear a dual responsibility: to drive innovation while also protecting their colleagues, the environment, and society as a whole.
“Therefore, a proactive approach to bio-risk management fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, enhancing the credibility of scientific research.”
Torimiro further said that “Moving forward, ongoing collaboration and dialogue within the biomedical community will be key to developing best practices that respond to the emerging challenges and opportunities in the field.
“By highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration (encompassing biologists/medical researchers, risk analysts, and regulatory bodies), future biorisk management strategies can be more effective in identifying potential hazards early in the research process.
“Additionally, investment in education and training programs will equip scientists and healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to understand and navigate these complex risks.
“Ultimately, a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach to biorisk management not only enhances safety and efficacy in medical research but also fosters public trust, thereby ensuring that innovative breakthroughs can be pursued responsibly and ethically in the future”.
The university don described bio-risk management as “the containment designed to keep the laboratory safe from potential bio-threat by promoting the responsible use of biological agents. It refers to a set of policies, practices, and procedures aimed at identifying, assessing and controlling the risks associated with biological agents and materials.
“It is an essential discipline for any facility that handles biological materials, including laboratories, healthcare institutions, and research centers.
“The primary goal of bio-risk management is to reduce the likelihood of accidental or intentional release of biological hazards that could pose harm to humans, animals, plants, or the environment.
“The crucial key components of bio-risk management include bio-safety and bio-security., risk assessment, risk mitigation, monitoring and evaluation, and training and education.
“Bio-safety focuses on safeguarding people and the environment from exposure to potentially harmful biological agents.
“Key bio-safety measures include containment protocols, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization, and decontamination techniques, all designed to prevent accidental exposure and mitigate risks associated with biological materials.
“Bio-security, in contrast, focuses on preventing unauthorized access, loss, misuse, theft, or intentional release of biological agents.
“Key bio-security practices include physical security measures, personnel background checks, secure storage, and controlled access, to ensure that biological materials are protected from malicious actions or misuse”, Torimiro concluded.
- Alex Ekemenah