Biosecurity Project in Uzbekistan

Strengthening Biosecurity Capacities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia

Background

As part of Project 53 of the European Union's CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence initiative, the IMB carried out a project on commissioned by the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC) to establish mobile laboratory capabilities from 2020 to 2022 in Uzbekistan. In 2021, Two mobile laboratory units were handed over to the Uzbek Ministry of Health. Specialists from the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Epidemiology, Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (RSSPMCEMIPD) and the Research Institute of Virology (RIV) were trained in setting up and operating the mobile laboratories as well as in mobile diagnostic techniques.

Cooperation under the German Biosecuty Programme has continued since January 2023 to further develop the established laboratory capacities.

Objectives

The aim of the project is to strengthen capacities in the field of biosafety & biosecurity and to improve the national capability to prevent and respond to threats posed by dangerous agents in Uzbekistan. Partners will be supported with training and equipment to help them identify biological risks more quickly and ensure that appropriate countermeasures are applied. As a regional measure, other countries in Central Asia will be involved in project activities.

Measures

The successful cooperation with the two partner institutes will be continued. Both institutions already provide specialist staff for the diagnostic team of the Uzbek mobile laboratories. In addition, other stakeholders in Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries will be trained in various disciplines.
The project will focus on

  • Training of specialists in the diagnosis of high-consequence pathogens
  • Establishing a training programme for mobile diagnostics (train the trainer)
  • Evaluation of local sampling methods according to international biosafety & biosecurity standards
  • Training in biosafety & biosecurity and related issues, such as non-proliferation and dual-use research of concern (DURC)
  • Strengthening scientific exchange.