Experts from Seychelles and Kenya are collaborating to develop a national biological risk assessment tool, aimed at identifying critical areas to mitigate potential biological incidents. This effort is part of the European Union’s Project 99, which enhances biological threat preparedness across eleven member countries. A workshop currently taking place focuses on evaluating risks and establishing effective response strategies for future biological threats.
Seychellois and Kenyan specialists are working on a national biological risk assessment tool to pinpoint critical areas suitable for assessing biological risks. A workshop is currently taking place in Seychelles, engaging 30 experts from varied fields, such as health and agriculture, who address biological incidents. This initiative forms part of the European Union’s CBRN Project 99, which aims to enhance preparedness for biological incidents within Eastern and Central Africa. The project encompasses eleven member states, including Seychelles, Kenya, and Burundi, tasked with identifying potential biological incident zones over the next five years.
Dr. Jimmy Melanie, Seychelles’ representative, remarked on the significance of this training for mapping risks amid ongoing developmental activities, which may introduce chemical, radiological, or biological threats. He emphasized the necessity of recognizing hazards ranging from plant toxins to zoonotic diseases and articulated the intention of establishing effective guidelines and protocols for response in the event of biological incidents. The workshop is rooted in a previously conducted training session held in Nairobi earlier this year, indicating a steady progression toward filling the gap in biological risk preparedness.
The initiative is anticipated to continue through 2026, eventually equipping experts to develop comprehensive lists of biological threats. Funded by the European Commission, with assistance from UNICRI, Project 99 is directed towards cooperation among eleven countries while gathering crucial insights for various stakeholders involved in health and safety.
At the workshop’s conclusion, participants are expected to have the capability to identify emerging biological threats. Joris Sprokholt, a key expert in the project, highlighted the workshop’s focus on projecting worst-case scenarios, including potential pandemics and their repercussions for both Seychelles and Kenya. Furthermore, integration of the ‘one health perspective’ will facilitate a connection across human, animal, plant, and environmental health, enhancing collaborative efforts in addressing biological risks.
The article discusses Project 99, which aims to develop a biological risk assessment tool for Seychelles and Kenya. This initiative is part of a broader European Union effort to fortify biological preparedness in Eastern and Central Africa. The training workshop contributes to building expertise and collaboration among experts in various fields, ensuring that the region is equipped to respond to biological incidents effectively. The ‘one health perspective’ approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, environmental, and plant health as a fundamental element of this project.
In summary, Project 99 represents a collaborative effort between Seychelles and Kenya to enhance biological risk assessment capabilities in response to potential incidents over the next five years. The ongoing workshop fosters vital training and knowledge sharing among experts, aiming to prepare for varying health risks linked to biological events. With continued development and support from the European Commission and UNICRI, the project is expected to significantly bolster regional health security and preparedness.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
