ABSTRACT

The whole world is currently going through a pandemic, Covid-19, due to a new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This pandemic has caused a high number of deaths– by mid-October 2020, 1.073.780 persons (official figures) died from the disease worldwide–and it has overwhelmed international and national health-care systems. Most countries have succeeded in establishing a legal framework relating to biosafety and biosecurity in terms of laboratory management, but the practical application of emergency biosecurity measures is still lacking. This study will present the model of Morocco's laboratory biorisk-management experience. In Morocco, the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in 1 265 301 cases of infection as detected by the health authorities, and in 16 280 deaths until October 19, 2022.This critical situation requires the commitment of all the researchers concerned in order to take appropriate measures to control the pandemic. Several measures relating to biosafety are part of the national strategy to control the coronavirus disease. However, biosecurity measures are lacking in this strategy. The resulting increased risk of accidental or deliberate infection and release of SARS-CoV-2, leads us toput forward the issue of the appropriate measures against bioterrorism, dual use and responsible science. There is a similar situation prevailing in many other countries, and there is therefore a need to enhance biosecurity measures. This article reviews the existing Moroccan regulation relating to biosafety and biosecurity measures in healthcare in general and in the relevant laboratories. It also focuses on the strategy aimed at the preparedness and reaction against the spread of SARS-CoV-2, in relation with the management of the laboratories performing the test that detects the presence of the virus in patients. On the other hand, we have developed a conceptual framework for the implementation of a biorisk-management system in the laboratories handling pathogens. Keywords: Biorisk management, biosafety, biosecurity, SARS-CoV-2, Covid-19, qRT PCR
Publication date: 01/10/2023

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/October/MS_IJBPAS_2023_7451.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.10.7451