The IFBA is pleased to have participated in the delivery of a biosafety session at the 33rd World Congress of the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science, held on September 23, 2018 in Florence, Italy
The Congress was jointly hosted by the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS) and Antel Associazione Italiana Tecnici Sanitari di Laboratorio Biomedico. Under the theme of “Strengthening Global Biosafety”, the session focused on new biosafety strategies and technologies that are leading to enhanced laboratory facilities for the safe handling of infectious diseases and strengthened competency of laboratory workers and scientists working in these facilities. The IFBA is grateful to Dr. Viji Vijayan (IFBA Board Member, Singapore) for chairing the session and to the presenters who shared their experiences and knowledge:
- BSL3 Laboratory Design and Biosafety Practices in Singapore (V. Vijayan, Singapore)
- Strengthening Biosafety and Biosecurity Systems in Resource Limited Settings: The Role of Professional Certification in East Africa (P. Okanya, Kenya)
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Design Requirements Manual (S. Breslin, USA)
- Baseline National Survey of Biorisk Management Practices: A Glimpse into the Biosafety & Biosecurity Situation in Public and Private Health Laboratories in Uganda (A. Kagrita, Uganda)
Please visit the IFBLS 2018 Congress website for more details on the event: http://www.ifbls2018.org/2018/home
Dionysis Vourtsis, IFBA Communications and Project Officer, carries flag at opening ceremony
Viji Vijayan, IFBA Board of Directors, presents lessons learned on building a successful BSL3 laboratory that can be safely operated and adequately maintained over the long term
Patrick Okanya, Biorisk Management Association of Kenya, shares their experience in certifying biorisk management competency of laboratory professionals from the East African Region