Dr. Talkmore Maruta is a leading expert in laboratory systems strengthening and biosafety capacity-building across Africa. As Director of Programs at the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), he oversees continental initiatives that enhance laboratory quality management, disease surveillance, and preparedness for emerging health threats.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Maruta has played a pivotal role in developing biosafety and laboratory networks across Africa, advising governments and regional partners on implementing sustainable systems for diagnostic quality, accreditation, and workforce development. His leadership has been central to advancing a One Health approach to laboratory systems, bridging human, animal, and environmental health.

Within the IBBIS Technical Consortium, Dr. Maruta brings a vital regional perspective, ensuring that international DNA synthesis screening standards reflect the diversity of capacities, regulatory contexts, and innovation ecosystems across low- and middle-income countries.

Stronger biosecurity begins with stronger systems. Africa has made tremendous progress in laboratory strengthening, and now we must extend that same focus to biotechnology oversight, said Dr. Talkmore Maruta. By aligning global standards with regional realities, we can make safe innovation accessible to all.