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Biosafety Competencies in Developing Countries: The Role of Universities

2011; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 16; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/153567601101600406

2470-1246

Ana Sánchez, José Antonio Gabrie, Ada Argentina Zelaya, Lourdes Enríquez, Maritza Canales, Sean G. Kaufman,

Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology

With the objective of strengthening biosafety capacities in Honduras, a technical cooperation program has been established with the School of Microbiology, National Autonomous University of Honduras, where most of the country's infectious disease research and teaching is done. To complete a 2-year cooperation cycle, two significant activities took place in May 2010: the first National Biosafety Meeting in which a Knowledge and Perceptions survey was administered to participants; and secondly, standardized biosafety capacity assessments of several laboratories. Following Emory University Onsite Biosafety Training Program guidelines, assessments evaluated four primary biosafety controls: engineering; personal protective equipment (PPE); standard operating procedures (SOPs); and administrative controls. This technical cooperation program has been successful in revitalizing the school's biosafety committee and garnering institutional interest. The survey revealed that 57% of respondents did not feel safe in their work environment and that 31% were aware of laboratory-acquired infections in their workplace. Assessments of 12 laboratories showed an overall biosafety grade of 72% and the following specific grades by control: engineering, 73%; PPE, 81%; SOPs, 68%; and administrative controls, 66%. Research laboratories scored consistently higher than their teaching counterparts. Recommendations stemming from these findings have been integrated into the school's strategic plan. Among other positive changes, the university has allocated a space for a Biosafety Training Center to be launched in the near future. Other efforts towards strengthening biosafety are also underway within the Honduran Ministry of Health. The time is right for Honduras to coordinate efforts leading to the establishment of a nationwide biosafety culture.