The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has signed an updated concept of activities with the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The meeting between the two countries took place in Warsaw. The concept, which defines the areas of activity to reduce biological threats in Ukraine, was signed by Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine, and representatives of the U.S. Biological Threat Reduction Program.

Achieving the objectives of the programme as set out in the concept will help prevent outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases in Ukraine. This was underlined by Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine.

“The concept of activities will allow the countries participating in the Biological Threat Reduction Program to strengthen both human and scientific potential and the laboratory diagnostic network. In particular, in the area of detection and reporting of cases or outbreaks of disease. We appreciate the efforts of our American partners and their support for our health system. The opportunity to strengthen cooperation in such important areas as countering bio-threats will allow us to effectively strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities despite the challenges of war and contribute to the development of a system to protect the population from dangerous infectious diseases and ensure an appropriate response to outbreaks in accordance with international practices,” said Viktor Liashko.

International cooperation under the programme helps to reduce the biological threat by developing a biorisk management and epidemiological surveillance network. For example, in the event of a pandemic, it will be possible to sequence strains, assess the threat they pose, learn more about them and make recommendations to doctors and the public on treatment and methods of spread.

The parties also discussed ensuring compliance with diagnostic quality standards in national and regional laboratories, including training of laboratory professionals and physicians through international programmes.