Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Government says it is taking measures to prevent the proliferation of biological weapons in the country, with a Biological Weapons Bill set to be debated in parliament.
The recurring outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and anthrax underscore the devastating impact biological threats can have on a nation’s health, food security and economic stability.
The Ministry of Defence organised a Stakeholders Forum on the National Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in Harare this Wednesday to discuss measures to address the threats.
“Zimbabwe attaches great importance to bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Zimbabwe stands ready to share insights to bolster her capacity to meet all the BWC obligations and derive benefits from enhanced preparedness and response strategies against the threats of biological weapons. Zimbabwe has made significant progress in the implementation of the BWC.
“In 2022, Zimbabwe appointed a National Contact Point person who has played a vital role in coordinating our national efforts. In addition to these efforts, the Biological Warfare Bill is before Parliament, a process that will culminate in the passing of an Act of Parliament. The Act will strengthen the country’s legal framework in the fight against biological weapons, as it will also address the knowledge gaps that have hampered our capacity to fully implement the BWC,” said the Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
The engagement brought together other stakeholders, who pledged their support in bio-safety efforts.
The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Jobst von Kirchman said, “The European Union, alongside its member states, is fully committed to supporting global biosafety and biosecurity efforts. Since 2006, the EU has provided over 12 million EUR in direct support of the Biological Weapons Convention.
“We are proud to support initiatives such as the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship, ensuring that the next generation of scientists, especially from the Global South are equipped to advise their governments on bio-security and safety matters.”
The Biological Weapons Convention took stock of the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons.
