Completed Projects

Iraq Implementers Conference

The Center conducted a 3-day virtual, multidisciplinary train-the-trainer course to develop a cadre of more than a dozen private sector physicians, scientists, laboratorians, and other health professionals in Iraq to prevent and detect outbreaks of especially dangerous pathogens.

The course focused on priority diseases that pose a security threat in Iraq, such as anthrax, brucellosis, and highly pathogenic influenza, which have been identified as particular areas of concern by the Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP) in the State Department. Training modules included content on biorisk management and secure, safe, and effective sample collection, storage, and transportation. The course also included a module focused on the development of scenario exercises that can be used by course participants in their home institutions. These scenarios can be used to assess the mastery of course material and provide a tool to gauge the readiness of the Iraqi private sector health workforce. The scenarios address operational as well as regional and national strategic considerations, and identify future needs to bolster biosecurity preparedness in Iraq.

Project team lead: Gigi Kwik Gronvall, PhD

Project team: Crystal Watson, DrPH, MPH; Matthew Watson; Matthew Shearer, MPH; Amesh Adalja, MD; Caitlin Rivers, PhD, MPH; Christopher Hurtado, MHS; Marc Trotochaud, MSPH; Lane Warmbrod, MS, MPH

Project supported by: CRDF Global; US Department of State, Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction