Biorisk management: laboratory biosecurity guidance

Overview

The economic consequences and scientific concern resulting from the laboratory-acquired SARS-CoV infections of 2003-2004 in Singapore, Taipei and Beijing not only raised biosafety awareness in the affected facilities, but most importantly promoted review by the concerned scientific community and national regulatory bodies, demonstrating high political commitment to biosafety practices in laboratories. The incidents triggered the improvement of national biosafety policies. Other countries affected, whether directly or indirectly, also expressed wide-ranging concern. As a result, WHO has recently witnessed a worldwide increase in the demand for biosafety guidance and support that culminated in 2005 with the adoption by the World Health Assembly of resolution WHA58.29 on Enhancement of laboratory biosafety.