A Seminar “Global Biosafety: Modern Challenges” Held in Almaty

A Republican seminar titled “Global Biosafety: Relevance and Modern Challenges within the ‘One Health’ Approach” was held in Almaty at the premises of the branch Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring.

The event was attended by the heads of branches and biosafety specialists of the National Center of Expertise, as well as representatives of the National Center of Public Health and its branch — the Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, and the M. Aikimbayev National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections.

In his welcoming remarks, Chairman of the Board of the National Center of Expertise Yerlan Kiyasov emphasized the importance of experience exchange and strengthening the national biosafety system in the context of global public health challenges.

A report titled “Biological Safety Cabinets: Certification and Maintenance” was presented by Tillabek Seydenov, Director of the Information Technology Department of the National Center of Expertise. In his presentation, he highlighted the key role of biological safety in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring the protection of laboratory personnel and the environment.

Particular attention was given to the operation and maintenance of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) — specialized equipment designed to create a controlled workspace with air filtration and decontamination when working with potentially hazardous biological agents. The presentation covered requirements for maintenance, annual certification, and compliance with international standards, including NSF 49:2002 (USA), EN 12469:2000 (Europe), AS 2252 (Australia), JIS K 3800:2000 (Japan), and GOST R EN 12469-2010 (Russia).

During the seminar, participants discussed a wide range of issues related to biosafety, including:

• current aspects of global and national biosafety;
• implementation of the International Health Regulations;
• biosafety in ecology, the food industry, and laboratory practice;
• modern solutions for laboratory research and monitoring;
• the threat of antimicrobial resistance and ways to prevent it;
• response to public health emergencies.

Experts emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to strengthening laboratory infrastructure, improving specialists’ qualifications, and developing international cooperation within the “One Health” concept, which unites efforts to protect humans, animals, and the environment.

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