ISLAMABAD: The National Institutes of Health (NIH), in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has conducted a three-day consultation workshop to review and finalize Pakistan’s first National Bio-Risk Management Guidelines for Laboratories.
The workshop brought together relevant laboratory stakeholders to review the proposed guidelines, share technical input and strengthen the framework for safe, secure and responsible laboratory practices across Pakistan.
Participants discussed ways to improve laboratory bio-risk management, biosafety and biosecurity, with a focus on developing standardized practices for laboratories across the country.
The consultation marks an important step towards strengthening Pakistan’s public health laboratory system and improving its capacity to prevent, identify and manage biological risks.
The guidelines are expected to support laboratories in adopting more consistent approaches to biosafety and biosecurity while promoting responsible handling of biological materials and reducing potential risks to laboratory workers, communities and the environment.
NIH and CDC reaffirmed their commitment to continued technical collaboration and engagement to strengthen Pakistan’s public health laboratory systems and enhance preparedness for biological risks and their mitigation.
The initiative also highlights the importance of coordinated national standards and technical cooperation in building safer and more resilient public health systems.
