1. Virology and Molecular Cell Biology
Laboratory biosafety and biosecurity in Iraq: gaps, objectives, requirements, and progress
Majed H. Mohammed, PhD
Virology and Molecular Cell Biology

2. Discussion Format The situation of Biosafety and Biosecurity in Iraq
Laboratory Abilities in Iraq
Common Challenges among laboratories
Needs and recommendations

3. Laboratory Facilities in Iraq
Majority are the typical university research laboratory i.e. a BSL-1 facility.
Most Research Institutions have BSL-2
No BSL-3 facilities exists

4. Laboratory Facilities in Iraq
Majority are the typical university research laboratory i.e. a BSL-1 facility.
Most Research Institutions have BSL-2
No BSL-3 facilities exists

5. What are laboratories in Iraq look like?
Poor availability or use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Reduced use, operation and maintenance of biosafety equipment
Inappropriate waste disposal

6. Cont….. Minimal biosafety training programmes
– Occasionally with training on techniques
– Very small part of quality system
Biosafety/Safety Officers not designated
Safety Guidelines not available
Policies and SOPs not available or not followed
No mandatory immunization of lab personnel (TB, HBV, Typhoid fever)

7. Common Challenges Guidelines, Regulation
National rule at the laboratory level
Laboratory Biosecurity
Laboratory Management
Physical environment in containment laboratories
Dual Use Research

8. Constraints for improvement
Absence of awareness at highest level
– Policy / standards / regulations
Insufficient resources and infrastructure
Lack of sufficient technical expertise
– Practices
– Construction
– Validation
– Documentation
Inadequate emphasis on training courses or exclusive training courses
Lack of budgetary resources to run and maintain containment laboratories

9. Needs and Recommendations

10. At National levels
Awareness educating on Biosafety and Biosecurity including Dual Use Research should be done in countries and Institutions
Sensitization of policy makers and Institutional Management (to support lab needs)

11. At Laboratory level
There is need for rules and clear guidelines on Biorisk management including hazardous Waste management in Iraq
Need for expertise and waste management facilities
Need for Training and Capacity building in Biosafety & Biosecurity including on Hazardous waste management in Iraq

12. Thank You