Abstract
This review especially describes the dangerous pathogens research program in Azerbaijan (AJ) funded by the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency under the Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) from 2011 through 2015. The objectives of the CBEP are to prevent the proliferation of biological weapons; to consolidate and secure collections of dangerous pathogens in central repositories; to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity of laboratory facilities; and to improve partner nations’ ability to detect, diagnose, report, and respond to outbreaks of disease caused by especially dangerous pathogens. One of the missions of the CBEP is therefore to increase the research skills and proficiency of partner country scientists. The program aims to fulfill this mission by sponsoring scientific research projects that exercise the modern diagnostic techniques available in the CBEP-engaged laboratories and the enhanced disease surveillance/control programs. To strengthen the local scientists’ ability to develop research ideas, write grant proposals, and conduct research independently, in-country CBEP integrating contractor personnel have mentored scientists across AJ and conducted workshops to address technical gaps. As a result of CBEP engagement, seven research projects developed and led by AJ scientists have been funded, and five projects are currently in various stages of implementation. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency has also sponsored AJ scientist participation at international scientific conferences to introduce and integrate them into the global scientific community. The efforts summarized in this review represent the first steps in an ongoing process that will ultimately provide AJ scientists with the skills and resources to plan and implement research projects of local and regional relevance.
Highlights
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)’s Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) is a US Department of Defense program that is part of the larger Cooperative Threat Reduction Program aimed at reducing chemical, biological, and nuclear threats
The program provided funding to renovate or build 12 BSL-2 laboratories belonging to the Azerbaijan Ministry of Health, State Veterinary Control Service (SVCS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Defense, so as to provide the physical infrastructure for the implementation of BSL-2 diagnostics and research (Figure 1)
Beyond the CBEP-renovated laboratories, AJ scientists from other facilities are involved in CBEP research and training programs. These institutes include the Azerbaijan Veterinary Scientific Research Institute (AVSRI), which is responsible for veterinary biologic preparations and veterinary research; Azerbaijan State Agrarian University (ASAU), which offers veterinary education; Regional Veterinary Offices, which monitor animal health and report to the SVCS; and the Centers for Hygiene and Epidemiology, which monitor human diseases in the country and report to the MoH
Summary
The US Government, in cooperation with international partner institutes, has adopted a strategy that is designed to identify and promote CBEP research activities that are of mutual interest to the US Government and host countries The goals of this partnership are to (1) support efforts to build biosurveillance and biosafety capabilities, (2) engage partner country scientists in hypothesis-driven research, (3) promote One Health initiatives, and (4) foster an international culture of responsible and ethical conduct in biological research. To meet these goals, the CBEP has upgraded laboratory facilities and implemented a comprehensive training program to ensure that AJ scientists are exposed to best practices and are equipped to carry out their disease surveillance responsibilities into the future. Only CBEP’s role in AJ is discussed
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