World Health Organization releases updated laboratory biosecurity guidance

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated guidance for national authorities and biomedical labs on managing biological risks.

Labs are critical for diagnosis, clinical care, disease surveillance, pathogen analysis, and research. Effective facilities, trained staff, evidence-based risk mitigation, transparent reporting, and oversight are vital for protecting workers and communities from pathogens and toxins.

The updated guidance focuses on bolstering cybersecurity and handling confidential data, including patient records. It addresses risks from new technologies like genetic modification, pathogen manipulation, and artificial intelligence (AI). Emergency preparedness advice covers conflicts, civil unrest, and natural disasters.

WHO's guidance aims to help countries establish or strengthen frameworks for managing high-consequence pathogens, emphasizing strong governance through National Biosafety Committees.

Developed with WHO collaborating centers and advisory groups like TAG-B, the guidance promotes best practices and risk-based approaches as per the 'Strengthening Laboratory Biological Risk Management' resolution at the World Health Assembly.

By engaging institutions and authorities, the guidance aims to mitigate risks from high-consequence pathogens and biomedical research, ensuring community safety while supporting legitimate scientific progress.