Samuel Mbewe
FAO Emphasizes Importance of Biosafety and Biosecurity in Zambia Amid El Niño Crisis
Lusaka, Zambia – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has underscored the critical importance of biosafety and biosecurity, especially as Zambia grapples with the devastating effects of an El Niño-induced drought. With the country already in a state of disaster and emergency, experts warn that Zambia faces heightened risks of drought-related diseases that could further threaten its agricultural and livestock sectors.
Speaking at the Biosafety and Biosecurity Inter-Regional Workshop held in Lusaka, FAO Representative in Zambia, Suze Filippini, emphasized the need for comprehensive biosafety and biosecurity measures to mitigate the impacts of these challenges. She noted that, despite progress, the importance of Biorisk Management in veterinary laboratories often remains underestimated, and sustainable systems for biosafety and biosecurity are insufficiently developed.
Filippini stressed the need for evaluating and enhancing the implementation of national roadmaps for biosafety and biosecurity across the West, Central, Eastern, and Southern African regions. She acknowledged that while Zambia has made strides in procuring equipment and developing curricula for biosafety and biosecurity training in line with international standards, significant challenges remain, including the recent anthrax outbreaks.
“While Zambia has taken important steps, we must continue to improve our systems to ensure that they are resilient in the face of evolving threats,” Filippini said.
Dr. Fusya Goma, Assistant Director of Field and Veterinary Services at Zambia’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, officiated the workshop and highlighted the essential role of veterinary laboratories. According to Dr. Goma, these laboratories are pivotal not only for animal health but also for ensuring food safety and preventing zoonotic diseases that can spread to humans.
However, Dr. Goma pointed out that the crucial role of veterinary laboratories in biosafety and biosecurity management is frequently underestimated. She acknowledged that action to establish robust systems for these purposes has been inadequate and called for the strengthening of these systems at all levels.
“This workshop serves as a platform to address these gaps and enhance our collective capacity in biosafety and biosecurity,” Dr. Goma said. “The FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has played a pivotal role in strengthening our laboratory capacities, which will contribute to more targeted and effective interventions.”
International Animal Health Consultant, Misheck Mulumba, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need for African nations to strengthen their biosafety and biosecurity protocols to better combat potential outbreaks of animal diseases. Mulumba highlighted that the global environmental changes demand that Africa accelerates its efforts to match the rest of the world in managing animal health.
“We need a comprehensive system to monitor progress and ensure the effective implementation of biosafety and biosecurity protocols,” Mulumba said. “For countries like Zambia, ensuring a broader biosecurity system is vital for exporting disease-free animals and ensuring the safety of the region’s food supply.”
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing the gaps in biosafety and biosecurity across the region, focusing on equipping laboratories with the tools and resources necessary to safeguard both animal and human health. The FAO and its partners are working together to ensure that countries like Zambia are better prepared for the challenges posed by both climate change and emerging disease threats.
