The Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, DUFUHS, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Professor Jesse Uneke has stressed that addressing global health security requires collective efforts to respond to public health threats.
Uneke stated this during a conference in Abuja, which brought together biosafety and biosecurity experts, stakeholders from health sector and environment, security to explore more ways to address global health security challenges.
He emphasized the need for preventive measures and viable health systems to tackle eventualities.
He advocated for a shared responsibility, prevention, detection, prompt response, and multi-sectoral approach.
The vice Chancellor highlighted major risks to global health security to include: infectious disease outbreaks, globalization, and drug-resistant pathogens.
Emphasising more on the importance of biosafety and biosecurity, Uneke cited innovations like artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and rapid diagnostic technologies.
The Director Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Agency, Abuja, Air Commodore Raymond C.Nwankwo, spoke on “Protecting People, Pathogens and Data”, emphasizing the convergence of biology, technology, and security.
He recommended comprehensive risk assessments, precise inventory management, and biological safety cabinets.
The Nigerian Biological Safety Association, NIBSA, President, Dr. Stella Ngozi Udo urged participants to approach the conference with determination to improve lives.
Global health security requires collective efforts – Don, Uneke