Building robust capabilities within the biosafety and biosecurity workforce is a critical component of ASEAN’s strategy to strengthen biosecurity and health security in the region, as outlined in commitment #6 of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration to “ensure the provision of necessary human resources for biosafety and biosecurity in a sustainable manner through training, education and certification for all relevant personnel.” The dialogue highlighted the need for regional and multi-sectoral training programs that involve health, security, agriculture, and transportation. Training and capacity building activities should not only develop technical expertise but should also focus on improving leadership capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Multi-sectoral training exercises, with a particular focus on technology integration and program evaluation, were identified as critical for improving coordination and response capabilities. By investing in human capital across various sectors, ASEAN can create a more robust and responsive workforce capable of addressing complex biological threats.
The dialogue also underscored the importance of sustainable laboratory infrastructure as an essential component of a resilient and efficient regional response system. This priority is outlined in commitment #7 of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration which commits to “develop sustainable laboratory infrastructure for operation and maintenance in diverse settings, which address national needs and ensure biosafety and biosecurity within available resource levels.” A regional approach to procurement was proposed to negotiate better deals on laboratory equipment and supplies, potentially reducing operating costs and enhancing laboratory capabilities across ASEAN Member States. This focus on laboratory infrastructure development aligns with broader efforts to strengthen laboratory networks, standardize operational procedures, and enhance biosafety and biosecurity measures, as outlined in commitment #5 of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration to “enhance protocols and procedures for the storage and transport of samples with high-risk pathogens and toxins to ensure adherence to international and domestic regulations.” Establishing regional standards for laboratory certification will ensure consistent quality, compliance, and interoperability, maximizing the efficiency of existing facilities.
Additionally, integrating laboratory infrastructure with ongoing capacity-building initiatives and surveillance systems will reinforce ASEAN’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to biological threats. A presentation from the World Organization from Animal Health (WOAH) highlighted the opportunities for ASEAN engagement in BioPREVAIL (Biological Preparedness and Resilience through Evolution and Innovation of Laboratories), a new Canada-United Kingdom-led initiative that aims to transform sustainable laboratory infrastructure and ensure it is fit-for-purpose in low-resource settings. By adopting a collaborative approach to resource management and infrastructure development, ASEAN can optimize investments in biosecurity and health security, ensuring cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and a coordinated regional response to emerging biological risks.