Vector-borne diseases rely upon organisms, named vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks or sandflies that have an active role in the transmission of a pathogen from one host to the other. An emerging (or re-emerging) infectious disease is a disease that arises through evolution or change in existing pathogens, was previously unrecognised is already known but spreads to new geographic areas, new populations or reappears after having been eradicated.
The Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases Programme contributes to the EU-wide preparedness and response capabilities. It provides Member States with access to expertise, topical assessments of disease risks and decision support tools with the latest scientific knowledge.
The programme supports three networks, gathering expertise from institutes, universities, research projects and public health institutions across the EU: Network for diagnostics of "imported" viral diseases / Collaborative laboratory response network (ENIVD/CLRN), Network of travel and tropical medicine specialists (EuroTravNet), Network of medical entomologists and public health experts (VBORNET).
Read more about the programme