NTI bio is a branch of the Nuclear Threat Initiative: a nonprofit organisation focused on reducing existential threats to humanity

They work with a variety of key decision-makers and educators— including government leaders, scientists, industry experts, and NGOs— to design and promote threat-reduction projects and improve biosecurity. This includes:

• Promoting solutions to improve biosecurity and pandemic preparedness, and working to make biosecurity a global priority

• Facilitating collaboration among world leaders, scientists, experts, and educators to reduce the risk of catastrophic biological threats

• Raising awareness, designing solutions, and advocating for international biosecurity norms

• Building accountability among governments, industry, and international organisations by identifying gaps in health security and tracking commitments to fill those gaps

NTI’s work is already having a tangible impact. For example, their Global Health Security (GHS) Index played a key role in enabling New Zealand’s relatively successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After receiving a low ranking on the index, New Zealand took action, making a host of improvements to health security infrastructure. These changes meant that when COVID-19, the government was able to respond swiftly and effectively to the risk.

Prime Minister’s science advisor Siouxsie Wiles said that the GHS Index “really saved us,” noting that the willingness of key decision-makers to own the shortcomings highlighted by the index may have spared the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of Kiwis. And, with the new health security improvements in place, New Zealand’s GHS Index ranking has risen 12 positions.

For more information about NTI bio, visit their website.