Seychelles and Kenya are collaborating on Project 99 to develop a national biological risk assessment tool. Thirty experts from various fields participated in a workshop to identify potential biological risks over the next five years. The initiative aims to enhance preparedness against biological threats within the Eastern and Central African region with a focus on a collaborative and comprehensive health approach.
Seychellois and Kenyan specialists are developing a national biological risk assessment tool to pinpoint critical areas susceptible to biological incidents over the next five years. A five-day workshop convenes thirty experts from diverse fields including health and agriculture at the Savoy Resort and Spa, Beau Vallon. This initiative, part of the European Union’s CBRN Project 99, aims to enhance preparedness and capacity in responding to biological hazards throughout Eastern and Central Africa. The collaborative effort involves eleven member countries, including Seychelles and Kenya, actively working to identify potential biological threats during the project’s duration until 2026.
Dr. Jimmy Melanie, Seychelles’ representative, emphasized the importance of being equipped to handle risks associated with rapid development, expressing a need to map potential biological, chemical, and radiological dangers. Notably, this workshop will focus on biological risks that may stem from animal diseases potentially harmful to human health, including pathogens from plant toxins, viruses, and harmful bacteria. Dr. Melanie highlighted the necessity of establishing policies to guide technicians in preparing for potential outbreaks, such as avian influenza.
Previously, the experts attended a training session in Nairobi, Kenya, where they were introduced to the risk assessment tool. Project 99 seeks not only to assess immediate threats but also to anticipate future challenges and refine response measures in case of biological events. Project leader Scott Spence remarked that participants will leave the workshop with the ability to recognize emerging biological threats and risks in the near term.
During the workshop, participants will explore worst-case scenarios, including potential pandemics, assessing their implications for Seychelles and Kenya. Joris Sprokholt, a key expert in the project, stressed the significance of this information for various stakeholders, including NGOs and veterinary experts, while advocating for the ‘one health perspective’ that underscores the interdependence of human, animal, plant, and environmental health. The comprehensive approach aims to prepare the nations better for potential biological risk management and incident response.
The project, named ‘Project 99’, involves collaboration among eleven countries in Eastern and Central Africa, with a focus on enhancing biological risk preparedness and response. Funded by the European Commission, it integrates various aspects of biological threats, including chemical, radiological, and nuclear risks. With workshops being held and experts trained in these regions, the objective is to strengthen local capabilities in identifying and managing potential biological hazards, ensuring public safety is a priority amidst ongoing development.
Project 99 represents a significant initiative aimed at advancing biological risk management in Seychelles and Kenya. By convening experts to establish a national biological risk assessment tool, the project seeks to address possible threats and prepare both nations for swift responses to biological incidents. The ongoing collaboration emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to health, integrating human, animal, and environmental considerations to ensure readiness against future challenges.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
