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Uganda takes the lead: piloting the Global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences: mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research

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Mon, 2023-12-04 15:44 — FNUOvviyaa

Uganda takes the lead: piloting the Global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences: mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research Uganda agreed to pilot the operationalization of the Global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences: mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research (the framework) as a result of the regional workshop to operationalize the framework in the WHO African region held in Nairobi, Kenya from 24 to 25 January 2023.One important strategic activity of the action plan to pilot the framework in Uganda was the sensitization of relevant national stakeholders on its operationalization. In this regard, a 3-day national stakeholders’ workshop was held in Kampala, Uganda, from 21 to 23 November 2023, under the coordination of the Office of the Prime Minister with the support of the WHO Country Office for Uganda, the Regional Office for Africa, and WHO headquarters. The workshop's main goals were to present an overview of the framework and the pilot project; discuss an in-depth understanding of the current situation and existing biosafety and biosecurity activities, and dual-use research at the national level; and identify concrete applications of the framework to the Ugandan situation. During the workshop, a roadmap was developed for effective domestication and implementation of the framework. The workshop convened over 80 participants from diverse sectors representing human health, nonhuman animal health, plants and agriculture, environment, defense, security organizations, other developing and implementing partners as well as the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), WHO Country Office for Uganda, Regional Office for Africa, and headquarters. The 3-day workshop was structured around a series of sessions that included presentations, panel discussions, working group discussions and plenary sessions to encouraged participation and active interactions. The workshop was inaugurated by the Director General of the Ministry of Health of Uganda alongside other opening remarks by representatives from WHO headquarters, WHO Country Office for Uganda and the Africa CDC. To set the pace, presentations included: an introduction to the framework on the responsible use of life sciences by WHO headquarters which emphasized the framework’s aim to inform the development of national frameworks and how it was developed based on a global participatory approach; regional strategies and initiatives on biorisks and dual-use research presented by WHO Regional Office for Africa; an overview of biosafety and biosecurity capacity, laws, and regulations in Uganda by the National Biosafety and Biosecurity Coordinator, Science, Technology; innovation governance in Uganda by the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovations; and an introduction to the pilot project by WHO Country Office for Uganda.The stakeholders then engaged in collective working groups discussions to tailor the framework to the local context. The stakeholders agreed that the framework does address their concerns. Participants identified several challenges that would limit the implementation of the framework at national level, including the lack of legislation for biosafety and biosecurity in the country and limited resources and funding. For cost-effective implementation of the framework, the workshop addressed crucial aspects of collaboration, sustained cooperation, joint resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation, and partnership strategies. Stakeholders cited the need for establishing a secretariat, aligning the framework with existing systems, cultivating partnerships, emphasizing lessons learned from other projects, cross-sector collaboration and networking.As an outcome of the workshop, stakeholders crafted a roadmap paving the way for the integrated, efficient and cost-effective implementation of the framework in Uganda. The drafted roadmap outlines key steps, including: the establishment of a functional high level multisectoral National Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group (TWG), which bodies will be instrumental in guiding Uganda's journey of piloting the framework. Other strategies included:strengthening multisectoral stakeholder engagement for ownership; strengthening international collaboration and information sharing systems and platforms;building capacity through training and mentorship programs aligned to facilitate the use of some elements of the framework; enhance communication awareness on the framework implementation through promotion, collaboration, and partnerships among key stakeholders; strengthen research oversight to include dual-use research governance, advocate for resources and funding opportunities to include dual use research governance; and strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems in alignment to the WHO or National reporting structures.In conclusion, the workshop marked a significant step in Uganda's journey to implement the framework. Stakeholders acknowledged challenges and demonstrated commitment to overcome them through collaboration, capacity building, and strategic planning. The roadmap sets a clear direction, ensuring Uganda's cost-effective and efficient integration of the framework into its biosafety and biosecurity landscape.A detailed report of this workshop will be published.

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