At the upcoming seventy-seventh World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2024, there is a high likelihood of the adoption of the resolution titled "Strengthening Laboratory Biological Risk Management." This resolution aims to enhance engagement in biological risk management and elevate laboratory biosafety and biosecurity standards at national, regional, and global levels. The resolution advocates for a risk- and evidence-based approach to biological risk management, emphasizing the importance of initiatives such as enhancing training for competent human resources, establishing consensus-based international standards, and facilitating information sharing about laboratories and incidents among Member States.
To fulfil these objectives, the resolution requests WHO to provide technical assistance and normative guidance, support the development and implementation of national laboratory biosafety and biosecurity strategies, and continually update guidance on laboratory biological risk management. Furthermore, WHO is urged to strengthen collaboration with other organizations and relevant stakeholders in this endeavour. Achieving the goals outlined in the resolution will require concerted efforts, contributions, and commitment from various stakeholders. Additionally, it calls for the development of a tailored WHO laboratory biological risk management programme, which will be further discussed during the Global Stakeholder Meeting following the WHA (this meeting).
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