Disease and the Biological Weapons Convention

A PowerPoint will review the international Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) which bans the use of biological agents as weapons of war.  The BWC was opened for signature in 1972, entered into force in 1975, and today includes 165 nations as States Parties.  However, some 30 countries still remain outside the treaty, and many more have not yet fully implemented it nationally; it also lacks a verification and inspection regime.  The presentation will address these shortcomings, including the importance of treaty universality and implementation to disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, and public health.