Piloting the WHO global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life science in Uganda

Life sciences research and associated technologies play a critical role in improving global health, our society and environment. However, great developments and advances in the life sciences and associated technology can pose risks, including accidents or deliberate misuse to harm humans, animals, agriculture and the environment.

WHO published in 2022 the Global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences: mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research (the framework), which calls on Member States and relevant stakeholders to mitigate biorisks and safely govern dual-use research (DUR) while harnessing the power of life sciences for the global health. The framework is a comprehensive global guidance document that aims to inform the development of national frameworks and approaches for mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research in the One Health context. The framework needs to be tailored to different countries and stakeholders’ needs and contexts with the recognition that mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research is a global issue that require a shared responsibility, with no one-size-fits-all approach.

As a first step to operationalize the framework, a regional workshop was organized in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023 to introduce the framework and initiate discussions about its use in the WHO African region. Among the next steps identified in the meeting report, the piloting of the framework at country level was underlined.

Uganda has expressed interest and will be the first country to model the pilot project through a top-down approach within a six-month period, under the lead of the Office of Prime Minister and the support of WHO Country Office for Uganda, Regional Office for Africa and WHO headquarters.

The overall objective of the pilot is to guide the implementation, domestication, operationalization and adoption of the framework in Uganda. To support the pilot, an action plan was developed with the input of diverse national stakeholders, including the Office of the President Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation; Uganda National Council for Science and Technology; the Biosafety Biosecurity Technical Working Group; the National Counter Terrorism Center; the One Health platform; Research institutions; National Agricultural Research Organization and National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank; National council for higher education; Universities; and and Ministries, Department and Agencies. The action plan includes six strategic actions taking into consideration the key takeaways of the Nairobi regional workshop, in particular:

Undertake a mapping of the existing elements and gaps to start implementing the framework at the country level;
Conduct a situation analysis to determine the level of awareness on biosafety, biosecurity and dual-use research at the national level;
Organize the sensitization of the key stakeholders on the framework;
Conduct country sensitization and awareness-raising on the framework;
Ensure continuous engagement with participants through the setting-up of a virtual quarterly meeting; and
Initiate coordination on Monitoring and Evaluation.
Reaching agreement on concrete actions plans and strategies commitments to the adoption and implementation of the framework would be critical to inform the high-level sensitization mission planned at the end of the pilot phase.

The findings of this pilot will provide insights into the applicability of the framework at national level and create awareness among multiple key stakeholders, including high-level authorities, researchers in human-veterinary-environmental health, civil society, law enforcement, legislators.

The report of the pilot will also document lessons learnt and best practices to guide the introduction of the framework in countries with similar settings. A detailed report of the pilot project will be published.

The Emerging Technologies, Research Prioritization and Support (EPS) unit will continue to consult and engage with relevant individuals, groups and the WHO regions, on the operationalization of the framework in the coming months.