Biological Threat Reduction in Lao PDR: Implementation of a Comprehensive Biorisk Program with Positive Impact on the Local Research Ecosystem

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Introduction: Naturally occurring or man-made pathogens can be transmitted to humans through zoonotic spillovers and accidental or deliberate release. These scenarios present a public health threat, highlighting the importance of implementing robust biosafety and biosecurity measures in both the field and laboratory, where the risks of pathogen spread are highest. Significance: The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) faces considerable public health challenges due to extensive human–animal interfaces, limited resources, and underdeveloped laboratory capacities. Repeated disease outbreaks have revealed critical gaps in local capabilities for effective diagnosis, surveillance, and emergency response. In addition, high-consequence pathogens from the region may spill over into Lao PDR and vice versa, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen biosafety, biosecurity, and public health preparedness. Methodology: The Institut Pasteur du Laos (IPL) serves as a research hub for (re)emerging pathogens and provides technical support for public health initiatives in Lao PDR. Since 2021, Global Affairs Canada has helped strengthen the biosafety and biosecurity framework at IPL through the Weapons Threat Reduction Program. Results and Conclusions: Workforce training, such as the nomination of a biosafety officer, training staff on good laboratory/field practices and biobanking, modernizing standard-operating protocols, and upgrading support infrastructure, have been crucial for enhancing preparedness and resilience against high-consequence biological threats, providing a foundation for IPL to conduct research while upholding the highest standards for biosafety and biosecurity.

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