An Analytical Approach for the Development of a National Biosafety and Biosecurity Framework

Both anecdotal and empirical evidence has shown that biosafety and biosecurity capacity is a relatively weak area of health security globally, with many countries having little or no oversight or governance in place. In response, and in support of Canada’s international commitments, the Centre for Biosecurity developed An Analytical Approach for the Development of a National Biosafety and Biosecurity System (the Analytical Approach), with funding from Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program.

The Analytical Approach is a detailed “how to” policy analysis tool that walks through the entire process of developing, modernizing or refining a policy framework for biosafety and biosecurity. It is composed of 9 modules, each comprised of theory and examples, as well as workshop tools such as draft agendas and worksheets to guide the users’ work. It provides a structure for critical thinking that assists with defining country-specific issues and identifying feasible policy solutions to root causes, and supports risk management for moderate and high-risk pathogens and toxins using safety and security lenses. The Analytical Approach is available both as an online course and as a downloadable manual in English and French on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s e-learning portal.