WHO recommends that Ukraine destroys all dangerous pathogens in its labs - TASS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly recommended that Ukraine destroyed all dangerous pathogens in its laboratories to prevent their possible leak, the WHO has told TASS.

When asked what should be done to prevent a possible leak, the WHO said it "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," the organization said.

It called upon all parties "to cooperate in the safe and secure disposal of any pathogens they come across, and to reach out for technical assistance as needed." The organization "will assist wherever possible with technical guidance and coordination."

WHO also said that its 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."

Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said earlier that evidence of a US-funded military biological program developed in Ukraine had been found during Russia’s special operation in that country. The Defense Ministry also published documents proving that the US conducted research in Ukraine into ways that migratory birds can carry dangerous infections and the use of bats as biological warfare agents.

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