Biological safety and biosecurity — the basis for countering new biological threats and challenges
Authors: Golovko A. M. , Napnenko O. O. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose of the study was analysis of the system of ensuring biosafety and biosecurity on a public scale from an enterprise, a country, and humanity as a whole; systems of response and elimination of biological threats. The method of system analysis and generalization of the obtained information was applied. Biological risks always arise when working with biological objects, this should always be taken into account and factors that increase biological risks should be known. Neglect of these factors creates a constant threat of the emergence and spread of X diseases; and unauthorized use of dual-use knowledge and technologies. The widespread use of artificial intelligence in various fields further exacerbates the problem. Creates conditions for various hybrid forms and methods of biological terrorism. Characteristics of disease X: replication in the cytoplasm; mutation and variability; airborne transmission; the ability to replicate in different hosts (for example, in humans and animals). Another distinctive feature of the new infection is the high speed of spread. The solution to the problem is the widespread implementation of the “One Health” concept throughout the world. Building capacity in the implementation of the One Health approach to strengthen health systems; Integrating environmental considerations into the One Health approach; Limiting the silent pandemic, increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Reducing the risks associated with epidemics and pandemics of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases; Controlling and eradiсating zoonotic, neglected tropical, and vector-borne diseases. Strengthening food safety risk assessment, management, and communication systems. Hybrid methods and approaches of biological terrorism are used during war and military conflicts. As a counteraction to them, it is necessary to form a position of the world community on the inadmissibility of using such methods during war and military actions; the BTWC must offer effective mechanisms aimed at preventing the development and use of biological weapons, as well as preventing hybrid forms of bioterrorism, which is difficult to distinguish from natural outbreaks of diseases, but its consequences can be no less dangerous for humanity. In Ukraine, the following work is being carried out to strengthen the biological safety system: a draft Law of Ukraine “On Biological Safety and Biological Protection” has been developed; an Interdepartmental Commission on Biosafety and Bioprotection under the National Security and Defense Council has been created and is functioning; Modernization of laboratories and centers to meet the requirements of the BSL 2 biosafety level. The system of physical protection of facilities that store collections of microorganism strains has been improved. Scientific projects aimed at identifying and reducing biological threats are being implemented. Electronic systems for monitoring the movement of pathogens and cases of infectious diseases have been introduced; Active position and participation in the work of the BTWC. An interdepartmental roadmap on biosafety has been developed within the framework of the “One Health” concept. Training programs for students and specialists in biological safety have been developed. Biological threats and challenges have become global, and their number and criticality are constantly growing. The increase in biological threats dictates the need to develop more advanced response and prevention systems, taking into account all existing challenges. Interstate and intersectoral cooperation based on a common strategy is of great importance in ensuring measures to prevent and respond to biological threats