Against the backdrop of the consequences of the full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation against the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian independence, and statehood, and in light of the growing threats of military and terrorist actions aimed at destroying critical infrastructure, food, and energy security, the aspects of biological safety and biological protection have become extremely important.
A critical component of developing modern systems of state regulation of biosafety and bioprotection is the implementation of proper practices to prevent the spread of pathogens and ensure compliance with safety requirements in the laboratories of research institutes, healthcare institutions, the public health system, and bioproduction facilities.
It is significant that a draft Law of Ukraine “On Biological Safety and Biological Protection” is under consideration, with experts from the One Health Institute contributing to its development. There is much work ahead in creating subordinate legislation for the future law and developing institutional policies.
In response to the demands of the present day, there is an urgent need to strengthen the system of state regulation of biological safety and biological protection in Ukraine, including aspects of controlling the circulation of pathogens, creating conditions for safe diagnostic work, and producing specific protective measures for humans, animals, and plants.
Previously, a team of specialists from the PNU “One Health Research Institute” and the NGO “One Health Institute,” with the kind permission of the World Health Organization, completed an adapted Ukrainian translation of the WHO Biosafety Manual, which is based on a risk-oriented approach to ensuring biological safety and providing biological protection.
Now, with permission from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, and in collaboration with our scientific consultants, we have prepared an adapted Ukrainian translation of the manual “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories,” 6th edition, which is based on a directive approach to creating laboratory and production conditions for biomedical research while adhering to biosafety and bioprotection standards.
In presenting this document, we sincerely hope that this initiative will benefit the medico-biological scientific and practical community in building and strengthening national standards for biological safety and biological protection in Ukraine.
Author Team