As part of its efforts to enhance biosafety and biosecurity in the region, EMPHNET, in partnership with Health Security Partners (HSP), supported the development of an Iraqi cohort of International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA)- certified professionals in Biorisk Management and Biosecurity.

The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of professionals from Iraq’s academic, health, and agricultural sectors to prevent the misuse of weaponizable biological materials and sensitive analytical equipment.

In collaboration with Iraq’s Ministries of Health and Agriculture under the Government of Iraq (GOI) and the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (IKR), the project supported participants in pursuing IFBA certifications in Biorisk Management and Biosecurity.

In November 2024, EMPHNET held a 1.5-day BRM Review Course followed by the IFBA BRM Certification Exam in Erbil. The sessions, conducted from November 11 to 13, 2024, trained 36 participants from the GOI and IKR Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Prior to the in-person sessions, participants completed a 15-hour virtual BRM preparatory course in October 2024. EMPHNET, in coordination with HSP and CTR, facilitated enrollment, monitored participant progress, and managed logistical arrangements with IFBA to ensure a smooth certification process.

Following the exam, GHD, HSP, and CTR reviewed participant performance and distributed a survey to identify challenges and assess participants’ willingness to retake the exam. The findings were used to inform next steps and improve preparedness for the upcoming certification phase.

By supporting the development of Iraqi professionals with internationally recognized credentials, this project strengthened institutional capacities in biorisk management and biosecurity, enhanced laboratory safety, and reinforced EMPHNET’s commitment to advancing public health security across the region.