Global Health Security Demands Collective Effort, Says DUFUHS VC

Professor Jesse Uneke, the Vice Chancellor of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), has emphasized that addressing global health security requires collective efforts to effectively respond to public health threats.

Speaking at a conference in Abuja that gathered biosafety, biosecurity, health, environment, and security experts, Professor Uneke stressed the necessity of preventive measures and viable health systems to manage health eventualities.

The Vice Chancellor advocated for a strategy built on shared responsibility, prevention, detection, prompt response, and a multi-sectoral approach.

He highlighted the major risks threatening global health security, which include:

* Infectious disease outbreaks

* Globalization

* Drug-resistant pathogens

Professor Uneke underscored the importance of biosafety and biosecurity by citing technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and rapid diagnostic technologies.

Protecting People, Pathogens, and Data

Also speaking at the conference was the Director of Intelligence at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Air Commodore Raymond C. Nwankwo.

In his presentation, “Protecting People, Pathogens and Data,” Nwankwo emphasized the crucial convergence of biology, technology, and security.

He recommended practical security measures for institutions, including:

* Comprehensive risk assessments

* Precise inventory management

* Biological safety cabinets

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Biological Safety Association (NIBSA) President, Dr. Stella Ngozi Udo, urged participants to approach the conference with the determination to improve lives through enhanced biosecurity practices.