PROJECT 075 (IfS): Preventing biological risks increased by environmental and climate change in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Sahel regions-One Health (MEDILABSECURE)

Context

The Mediterranean region, the Sahel and the Black Sea region, which include important routes of human migrations, are close neighbours of the European Union and are particularly exposed to health risks (epidemic, pandemic) and disasters (man-made or natural). These can have a serious impact on populations, resources and infrastructures and could undermine the regions’ efforts for sustainable development and increase the instability of the area. The geopolitical context of this region as well as the common new challenges such as migrants, climate changes and (re)-emerging diseases increase the burden of public health services including national laboratories.

In order to enhance health security in the region, capacity building for prevention and control of natural or man-made health threats, posed by communicable diseases is necessary.

Overall objective

To provide capacity building and networking activities in order to strengthen the network of laboratories and public health institutions.

Specific objectives

1. To strengthen and harmonize preparedness and response capacities on health threats related to (arbo)zoonotic viruses and their vectors in the target regions;
2. Enhance awareness of the added value of integrated surveillance, risk assessment and early warning to prevent and control epidemics and epizootics.

Activities

1. Synergize ongoing actions by promoting One Health strategies;
2. Providing laboratory and field training to improve the detection of emerging zoonotic pathogens and the identification of involved vectors;
3. Evaluate, validate, transfer and implement the best laboratory techniques available for detection and diagnosis of emerging vector-borne zoonotic pathogens;
4. Improve biosafety practices;
5. Implement joint activities to accelerate efforts for early detection of health threats and the implementation of an effective One Health approach;
6. Improve information, communication, sharing of knowledge and feedback experiences, and awareness, including working on the provision of early warning tools.

Achievements

• 3 Situation Analysis study visits to Serbia, Tunisia and Georgia focused on integrated surveillance and risk assessment of arbovirosis in Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions;
• 2 External Quality Assessments (EQA) were conducted to assess the ability of the trained laboratories of the network to detect:
  • EQA 1: West Nile virus antibodies and genetic material in infected animals’ samples by ELISA and by PCR techniques;
  • EQA 2: Rift Valley fever virus antibodies and genetic material in infected animals’ samples by ELISA and by PCR techniques.
• 2 EQA studies were organised with the German company INSTAND in 2016.