Egypt to establish national center for counter-bioterrorism

CAIRO - 10 april 2026: In a strategic move to fortify national security and safeguard public health, the Defense and National Security Committee of the House of Representatives is reviewing a landmark draft law.

The legislation proposes the establishment of the National Center for Biosafety and Biosecurity, a primary national pillar designed to confront biological risks and emergencies affecting humans, animals, and plants.

The draft law aims to regulate all biological activities to ensure the safety of society, the environment, and property. By establishing this center, the state seeks to mitigate the economic and health impacts of biological accidents or bioterrorism, reflecting Egypt's commitment to preventive and applied capabilities in this critical field.

The National Center for Biosafety and Biosecurity will be established as a public service entity with legal personality, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. Headquartered in Cairo, with potential branches across various governorates, the center’s facilities will be classified as "vital state infrastructure" under Law No. 3 of 2024, highlighting its paramount importance to national security.

According to Article (3) of the draft law, the center is tasked with:

Risk Prediction & Response: Monitoring and addressing all forms of biological threats and incidents.

National Safety Programs: Developing the "National Biosafety and Biosecurity Program" in collaboration with relevant authorities.

Global Monitoring: Keeping pace with international advancements in biotechnology to align with national security requirements.

Emergency Activation: Executing the "Biological Emergency Plan" tailored to the nation’s epidemiological status.

The center will play a pivotal role in strengthening the state's capacity to combat bioterrorism and biological crimes. Furthermore, it will contribute to a strategic plan for achieving self-sufficiency in medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic chemicals.

A key feature of the legislation is the creation of advanced national databases, including:

A comprehensive registry of all government and private Level 3 and Level 4 research laboratories.

A database for endemic microbial strains and disease vectors in the Egyptian environment, ensuring the development of effective, locally-sourced vaccines.

The center will hold the authority to inspect facilities to ensure compliance with biosafety protocols. It will also manage Early Warning Systems to prevent biological accidents and conduct periodic surveys of Egypt’s land, sea, and air borders.

Finally, the center will represent Egypt in international treaties and facilitate cooperation with foreign universities and research institutions, ensuring that Egypt remains at the forefront of global biological defense and sustainable development.