Executive Summary
The Center for Biosecurity, Biosafety, Infectious Diseases, and One Health (CEBBIDOH) at Kaduna State University has initiated a collaborative effort with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABDA) in Abuja. This partnership aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in biosecurity, biosafety, and infectious disease management, while promoting One Health principles.
Background
CEBBIDOH is a leading research center in Nigeria focused on addressing the complex challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. NABDA is a government agency responsible for promoting biotechnology research, development, and innovation in Nigeria.
Objectives
The collaborative initiative between CEBBIDOH and NABDA aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Enhance Biosecurity and Biosafety: Strengthen Nigeria’s biosecurity and biosafety infrastructure, including the development of policies, guidelines, and training programs.
- Promote One Health Principles: Foster a collaborative approach to addressing health challenges at the human-animal-environment interface.
- Support Biotechnology Research and Development: Collaborate on research projects, capacity building initiatives, and technology transfer programs in biotechnology.
- Develop Capacity and Expertise: Provide training, mentorship, and fellowship opportunities for researchers, scientists, and policymakers in biosecurity, biosafety, and biotechnology.
Expected Outcomes
The collaborative initiative between CEBBIDOH and NABDA is expected to yield the following outcomes:
- Improved Biosecurity and Biosafety Infrastructure: Enhanced capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to biosecurity and biosafety threats.
- Increased Collaboration and Coordination: Strengthened partnerships among stakeholders in the One Health community.
- Advancements in Biotechnology Research and Development: New technologies, products, and services developed through collaborative research and innovation.
- Enhanced Capacity and Expertise: Increased number of trained researchers, scientists, and policymakers in biosecurity, biosafety, and biotechnology.
Conclusion
The collaborative initiative between CEBBIDOH and NABDA marks a significant step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in biosecurity, biosafety, and infectious disease management. By working together, these two institutions can drive innovation, promote One Health principles, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness in biotechnology.
Recommendations
- Establish a Joint Steering Committee: Set up a committee to oversee the collaboration, provide strategic direction, and ensure effective implementation.
- Develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Formalize the collaboration through a MOU, outlining the terms, scope, and responsibilities of each partner.
- Identify Priority Areas for Collaboration: Determine specific areas for joint research, capacity building, and technology transfer initiatives.
- Secure Funding and Resources: Explore funding opportunities and mobilize resources to support collaborative activities and projects.
YJ Salasi
CEBBIDOH, KASU.