WHO is working with Alexandria University and the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population to establish the country's first biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory.

Biosafety issues are a concern today both in terms of the potential for emergence of new infections as well as bioterrorism threats. The laboratory will allow scientists and students to gain understanding and training in the study of bacterial and viral pathogens.

The laboartory, which will be housed in the Medical Research Institute of Alexandria University, is expected to be fully functional by 2015.