A newly released study assessing laboratory biosafety and biosecurity in the sixteen member countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has highlighted significant challenges in governance, infrastructure, and technical capacity.
The study, published by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), conducted through desktop research, expert consultations, and regional workshops, provides critical insights into the current state of laboratory systems and outlines key recommendations to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity measures across the region.
The findings reveal that governance frameworks for biosafety and biosecurity remain highly fragmented, often spanning multiple sectors. While some SADC nations have established biosafety committees, most operate at an institutional rather than a national level. Additionally, legal frameworks vary significantly, with some countries lacking formal legislation altogether, while others have well-developed policies in place.
In terms of infrastructure, thirteen out of the sixteen SADC countries have at least one high-containment laboratory with stringent control measures. However, beyond these reference laboratories, diagnostic capacity remains limited, and laboratory accreditation is inconsistent. Efforts such as the Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) and Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) are helping address this gap, but challenges persist.
The study identifies key areas of concern, including shortages of skilled personnel and gaps in sample management, transport logistics, and waste disposal. The lack of trained biosafety and biosecurity professionals, particularly in both human and veterinary health sectors, remains a pressing issue, exacerbated by minimal workforce growth in many countries.
To address these challenges, the report recommends the following actions:
- Enhancing Legal Frameworks: Conduct further research into existing legal systems and develop mechanisms to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity legislation in countries where they are absent or inadequate.
- Building Sustainable Infrastructure: Prioritise the development of resilient laboratory systems through efficient resource use and cross-border collaboration, supported by dedicated internal and external funding.
- Strengthening Regional Collaboration: Improve cooperation among SADC nations by leveraging partnerships for transport logistics, surveillance systems, and sample testing capabilities.
- Addressing Technical Capacity Gaps: Expand training programs through academic institutions and industry stakeholders to upskill existing personnel and equip future professionals with necessary competencies.
- Fostering the One Health Approach: Explore models that promote the One Health approach, enabling a truly collaborative effort to harmonise systems, legislation, and operations.
- Leveraging Partnerships and Resources: Leverage existing partnerships and resources within the region and other platforms to enhance intercountry relations and resource access. Foster collaborations in transport logistics, surveillance systems, and sample testing capabilities.
“Strengthening laboratory biosafety and biosecurity is crucial for improving public health preparedness and response capacity across the SADC region,” said Professor Thokozani Majozi, ASSAf President. “This study underscores the urgent need for coordinated action, sustainable investment, and regional collaboration to mitigate biological risks and enhance health security.”
With increasing global health threats, SADC nations must collectively commit to reinforcing laboratory systems to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. By implementing the study’s recommendations, the region can build a safer and more resilient biosafety and biosecurity landscape.
Access the report here: The State of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity in the SADC Region