The Roadmap: Future Opportunities for Bioengagement in the MENA Region
Abstract
In the early-2000s, the U.S. government began engaging scientists and public health officials in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to reduce the risk that individuals and organizations might contribute to the use of pathogens to harm people or the development of biological weapons. Initial engagement efforts began in Iraq and Libya, both of which had offensive biological weapons programs. These initial efforts focused on supporting former weapons scientists as they pursued peaceful research activities. When U.S. bioengagement efforts expanded beyond Iraq and Libya in the mid-2000s, the focus shifted from supporting peaceful research to improving biosafety and biosecurity training of laboratory staff, enhancing physical security of research and diagnostic facilities, and building local capacity to identify infectious disease outbreaks (i.e., biosurveillance or infectious disease surveillance). Countries that never had offensive biological weapons programs and scientists and public health officials who had never worked with biological weapons (or intended to work with biological agents) were now being included in bioengagement activities. This broad inclusion of scientific experts has raised a significant challenge: how could bioengagement activities be developed to reduce the risk that pathogens could be used for harm while addressing local needs and all in full partnership with regional scientists and health officials. The broader Middle East and North Africa comprises many countries, each of which have distinct cultures, dialects and/or languages, ties to the international community, and governing frameworks. The culture, society, and language of these countries have been influenced by European colonization and interest in the region. Similarly, culture, religion and government structure differs across the region. These differences strongly influence the effectiveness and local acceptance of scientific engagement activities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA601045
Entities
People
- Cristine Geers
- Gwenaele Coat
- Kavita M. Berger
Organizations
- American Association for the Advancement of Science