The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in partnership with the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), officially convened a pivotal Biosafety and Biosecurity Workshop during the Global Health Security Conference (GHS 2026) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The high-level session served as a critical platform to evaluate the milestones, hurdles, and foundational lessons from the Africa CDC Biosafety and Biosecurity Strategy (2021–2025). Simultaneously, the workshop introduced the continent’s strategic priorities and implementation roadmap for the upcoming 2026–2030 phase, marking a proactive shift in Africa’s approach to biological threats.
Elevating Biosecurity Beyond the Laboratory
During a multi-stakeholder panel discussion, Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer of ASLM, fiercely advocated for a paradigm shift in how biosecurity is perceived and funded across the continent. He emphasized that expanding engagement beyond purely technical circles is paramount to securing the long-term viability and success of these initiatives.
“Biosafety and biosecurity should be viewed not only as technical laboratory programmes, but as critical investments in health security, economic resilience, and national development,” stated Mr. Ndlovu.
Mr. Ndlovu further urged stakeholders to foster stronger ties with policymakers and decision-makers. He noted that such engagement is vital for securing sustained political commitment, mobilizing resources, and seamlessly integrating biosafety priorities into national development and health security agendas.
Building Resilient Frameworks Against Bio-Threats
The deliberations at GHS 2026 underscored that collaboration, innovation, governance, financing, and country ownership are the bedrock of systems capable of resisting modern biological dangers. Experts agreed that safeguarding public health requires a unified front that bridges legislative intent with ground-level laboratory execution.
These urgent priorities are set to take center stage at the upcoming ASLM 2026 Conference, scheduled for 08–11 December in Cape Town, South Africa. The upcoming convention will gather global delegates to forge strategic partnerships, fund integrated diagnostic methodologies, and champion harmonized regulatory frameworks designed to protect African nations. Early Bird registration for the Cape Town event remains open, offering discounted rates for health professionals and policymakers looking to secure their place in shaping the continent’s medical defense.
To register for the event: aslm2026.org/registration/
Share this
