Regional workshop to operationalize the global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences in the WHO African Region

Overview

The objectives of the two-day technical workshop were to: present the framework and other related existing regional initiatives; facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience of countries on the challenges and needs in mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research; strengthen collaboration among multiple and multidisciplinary stakeholders within the WHO African Region; test specific elements of the framework, including the six-step approach and the checklist for the national governments, and identifying the needs for additional toolkits or regional guidance; and recommend concrete actions for the roll-out of a national implementation of the framework.

The workshop was intended to consolidate, build on knowledge and practice, and stimulate increased engagement from Member States and regional champions in the area of responsible use of the life sciences. Conducted in English and French with simultaneous translation, it was organized around a set of different types of sessions (plenary sessions, panel sessions and working groups sessions) to facilitate a participatory and interactive working method.