RefBio - German Contribution to Strengthen the Reference Laboratories Bio in the UNSGM

Summary

The "RefBio project – Germany’s contribution to strengthen the bio-analytical reference laboratories in the UNSGM" is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office with the aim to strengthen bio-analytical reference laboratories designated for the UNSGM - Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons. A functional network of laboratories specialized in the identification of infectious biological agents, suspected to be used as biological weapons, is meant to be established in consultation with UNODA - United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. The UN Secretary-General relies on a roster of internationally acknowledged "expert consultants", "qualified experts" and "analytical laboratories" (called "bio-analytical reference laboratories"), nominated by Member States, which are capable to analyse and to evaluate the nature of agents in an event of alleged use of bioweapons. The German initiative focuses on quality assurance for nominated bio-analytical reference laboratories carrying out analyses of suspected biological weapons. This includes the suggested series of practical Quality Assurance Exercises and regularly organized workshops to discuss best practice approaches. Furthermore, the project will contribute to setting up a trusting laboratory network covering a broad geographical and political distribution.