WHO raises alarm over high-threat pathogens escape as Russia pounds Ukraine

The World Health Organization has “strongly recommended” Ministry of Health in Ukraine safely destroy “high-threat pathogens” housed within the country’s public health labs as Russia continues ravaging the country’s educational and health institutions.

“WHO also promotes biosecurity at laboratories, e.g. prevention of accidental or deliberate release of pathogens. As part of this work, WHO has strongly recommended to the Ministry of Health in Ukraine and other responsible bodies to destroy high-threat pathogens to prevent any potential spills,” WHO spokesman Tarik  Jašarević wrote in an email Friday.

WHO noted in its email first published by Reuters and CNN that it encourages “the safe and secure disposal of any pathogens” and would assist as needed and wherever possible.

“WHO routinely assists Member States in improving their public health capacities, including by facilitating improved safety and security of laboratories holding samples of pathogens of public health concern,” Jašarević wrote.

“WHO’s country office in Ukraine has been working for several years with the Ministry of Health and other partners, including other WHO Member States, to support the enhancing of biosafety and biosecurity of labs, as well as the capacity of lab personnel, in particular to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Jašarević said.