Aims and objectives of the project
The general objective is to enable an efficient response to serious emergent and reemergent cross-border events by reinforcing the existing EU network of BSL 3 and BSL 4 laboratories which are already active in the field of identification of dangerous bacterial and viral human pathogens. The planned activities are in accordance with the Public Health programme - Work Programme for 2014, as described in “Problem analyses” (section 1).
General Objectives
- To comprises a European network of about 40 diagnostic laboratories focused on risk group 3 and 4 bacteria and viruses.
- To provide an integrated European laboratory infrastructure and strategy to protect European citizens against exposure to a panel of globally recognized high threat bacteria and viruses.
- To ensure efficient response to serious emergent and re-emergent cross-border events by reinforcing the existing EU network of BSL 3 and BSL 4 laboratories which are already active in the field of identification of dangerous bacterial and viral human pathogens.
They create synergies within the EU, since they facilitate Member States with less capacities and expertise to respond to threats caused by emerging and dangerous pathogens. The activities will support Member States in implementing the Decision 1082 “Serious cross-border health threats and International Health Regulations” (2005). The JA will also be fully linked to other sectors and relevant networks. All work packages will be run in an “inter-epidemic mode” (IEM) to facilitate the best possible preparedness and interoperability of all partners in the JA and other relevant networks. In an “outbreak response mode” (ORM), activities of the JA will be directed to the laboratory management of cross-border outbreaks of highly pathogenic agents to facilitate the necessary activities for the outbreak management taking into account the established rules and agreements developed in IEM.
Specific Objectives
- Networking of networks for laboratory response establishing and strengthening the cooperation between networks;
- Improving capabilities for rapid laboratory diagnosis of new or emerging pathogens (e.g. sample sharing);
- Quality Assurance for laboratory diagnostics by External Quality Assurance Exercises (EQAE);
- Training on diagnostics and biorisk management.
The JA will strengthen the interoperability of various key players in outbreak situations meaning cooperation and support (diagnostics, sample sharing, proficiency tests, training) inside the network EMERGE and the coordination of activities with other relevant networks (evaluation of responsibilities, information, recommendations, sample sharing) as well as the communication with stakeholders on EU level and national level of Member States.
Date: 07.12.2015
