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Home CBRNE

BTRP Program Works to Improve Biosafety and Biosecurity in Iraq

by Global Biodefense Staff
January 13, 2021
BTRP Program Works to Improve Biosafety and Biosecurity in Iraq

The recently retired Director of Al Muthanna Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Abdul Kareem Abdul Zahra (center), cuts the ribbon at the opening ceremony of Muthanna Veterinary Laboratory, with the DG of the Iraqi Veterinary Directorate, Dr. Thamer Habeb (left), and the Muthanna Governor, Mr. Ahmed Manfe (right). Credit: Andrea Chaney

The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) helping build global health security by building capacity for emerging threat biosurveillence and lab biosafety in Iraq.

Specifically, BTRP is providing support to Iraq’s Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) and supporting laboratory renovations, equipment procurement, and associated training for the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Higher Education. The FETP develops Iraq’s field epidemiology workforce to rapidly identify and respond to outbreaks, with an emphasis on pathogens of high consequence (such as biological warfare agents or potentially pandemic pathogens).

Despite delays caused by COVID-19, BTRP and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered to provide training and mentorship for Iraq’s first cohort of intermediate-level FETP residents, which included human health practitioners and veterinarians. This cohort graduated on January 16, 2021 and the ceremony was attended by Iraq’s Minister of Health and other senior officials who expressed appreciation for BTRP’s support. FETP reinforces sustainability and enhances Iraq’s ability to monitor and respond to outbreaks such as COVID-19.

Dr. Yasir Younis Majeed (FETP Executive Director/Iraq MoH) gives a presentation at the 1st intermediate-level Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) cohort graduation ceremony.

Despite delays and movement restrictions caused by COVID-19, BTRP also successfully completed renovations, equipment procurement and associated training at the Muthanna Veterinary Laboratory in Iraq. This engagement improved security, safety, and diagnostic capacity at the lab. An opening ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to inaugurate the laboratory on January 21, 2021. The event was attended by key personnel such as the Muthanna province governor, the Iraqi Veterinary Directorate Director General, the Dean of Muthanna Veterinary College, the Muthanna Lab Director, the Baghdad Central Veterinary Lab Director, and Iraqi media representatives.

The 1st intermediate-level Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) cohort graduation ceremony, 16 January 2021. Credit: Andrea Chaney

BTRP’s laboratory engagements improve Iraq’s ability to safely detect dangerous pathogens and reduce the threat of violent extremist organizations gaining access to weaponizable biological material.

Adapted from story by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Tags: BioterrorismCapacity BuildingCooperative Threat ReductionDefense Threat Reduction AgencyEditor PickSelect Agents

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