Description of subprojects and results, including major changes from the original proposal

I reviewed national policy and technical documents (JEE) to align with global/regional standards. Next, I interviewed 10 key stakeholders to map local gaps in training and incident reporting. Using this information, I built the BLAM tool with safety indicators across 10 different areas/domains. I then tested tool at NPHRL at Monrovia. The assessments revealed major safety gaps. For example, only a quarter of safety cabinets were functional and most relied on open burning for waste. The average safety score was 2.2/5. To turn these findings into action, I led a workshop with 2 national experts to agree on the most urgent priorities. Finally, I created a four pillar roadmap to guide future upgrades for governance, facilities, workforce and data systems.

Spending breakdown

2000 USD on travel and local logistics in Liberia. 1500 USD to compensate local staff at National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) for their essential support. 2500 USD to host workshop and stakeholder meetings in Monrovia. 4000 USD to cover my time as PI to design  tool, lead the field assessments, analyze the data and disseminate among NPHIL leadership and stakeholders.

I have now successfully completed the pilot Biosafety Landscape Assessment Matrix (BLAM) Liberia and translated broad national biosafety targets as well as JEE findings into a practical indicator assessment tool across 10 core domains. During implementation I faced some practical challenges including coordination with NPHIL leadership (as there is frequent turn over), resource limitation and on ground logistic challenges. I mitigated these obstacles by keeping the pilot tightly focused on feasibility, maintaining proactive follow ups and utilizing my established working relationship with National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) to reconfirm priorities and maintain momentum. Ultimately, while the pilot could not resolve all systemic laboratory vulnerabilities, it proved BLAM's on ground usability and established an evidence based foundation to guide and evaluate future investments/scale up in the country.

I kicked off my project by having stakeholders meetings - mainly with NPHIL NPHRL and partners including Last Mile (as they are working on lab samples transportation in Liberia). After buy in and administrative approvals, I developed blue print of BLAM and engaged NPHRL in review assessment process. During this process, I reviewed 17 policy documents, interviewed 10 key stakeholders and conducted initial assessments at NPHRL Monrovia. The matrix covered 10 critical areas including waste management and pathogen accountability.