EU-supported MediLabSecure celebrates 10 years of pioneering public health in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions

The MediLabSecure project, implemented within the framework of the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence EU CBRN CoE, marks its 10th anniversary this month. 

Over the past decade, MediLabSecure has significantly bolstered public health capabilities in 22 countries in the EU neighbourhood by fostering a comprehensive One Health approach to combat vector-borne diseases, that result from an infection transmitted to humans and animals by blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

Since its start in 2014, the project has facilitated the integration of One Health strategies into national policies, advocating for a holistic approach that encompasses human, animal, and environmental health. 

“Through various activities, the project has connected experts in human, animal, and environmental health sectors, fostering the exchange of information and the implementation of joint actions to move towards integrated surveillance of vector-borne diseases.”

Dr. Vanessa Lagal, MediLabSecure Project Manager

Coordinated by Pasteur Institute in Paris, the network includes five other leading scientific institutions from EU Member States, working collaboratively to enhance health security amid the growing threats of infectious diseases driven by climate change and global travel.

Over 1,5000 professionals trained

MediLabSecure has trained over 1,500 professionals in crucial areas such as laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, epidemiology, and vector control, thus enhancing regional capacities to detect and respond to outbreaks. 

In addition to establishing robust surveillance systems for vector-borne diseases, the project has facilitated groundbreaking research projects that advance our understanding of disease transmission dynamics. By providing evidence-based recommendations, MediLabSecure has influenced public health policies, contributing to the development of effective national and regional strategies for disease prevention and control.

Reflecting on past successes, envisioning future directions

The project's achievements will be celebrated with a series of events, including scientific conferences, workshops, and public awareness campaigns, aimed at reflecting on past successes and envisioning future directions. These events will focus on regional and multisectoral cooperation in tackling emerging infectious diseases impacted by climate change.

MediLabSecure’s decade of dedication exemplifies the power of regional collaboration and the importance of integrated health strategies in safeguarding public health. As the project moves forward, it continues to pave the way for innovative solutions to emerging health challenges, reinforcing its commitment to global health security.

Voices from the network: “highly valuable”

• “The project has supported the implementation of local activities led by our members such as the twinning program that meant to foster cooperation between members at the regional scale with the aim of filling existing gaps through the transfer of expertise, from a member to another one." - Dr. Vanessa Lagal, MediLabSecure Project Manager
• "The project has enabled us to apply One Health principles and effective diagnostic methods for viral diseases, especially VBDs. The strong network remains highly valuable in my daily work." - Dr Arman Gevorgyan - Director of laboratory, Republican Veterinary-sanitary and phyto-sanitary center for laboratory services (SNCO), Armenia
• "Our laboratory became a go-to destination for students across Libya. We help them with mosquito identification with organized trainings using Moskeytool, which was invented by MediLabSecure." - Dr Ahmed Elgrari - Director of Zoonotic Disease Control Administration, National Center for Disease Control, Libya
• "MediLabSecure's focus on scientific attitude in pandemic management and preparedness planning has been very valuable. Their technical advice proved highly helpful, especially during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic." - Dr Mohamed Ali - Director of the Center of Scientific Excellence for Virus Research at the National Research Centre, Egypt
• “I want to extend my gratitude to whole project team to help the countries like Georgia improving their capabilities in many directions covered by the project” - Diana Tsutskiridze – CBRN National Focal Point, Georgia

For more information, visit One Health Network for the Prevention of Vector-Borne Diseases | MediLabSecure