Multi-annual strategy (2010-2013) for Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases Programme
During 2010 – 2013 ECDC gives priority to the strengthening of the disease specific programmes. This includes the systematic search for evidence based communicable disease prevention and control methods. Analysis of communicable disease determinants becomes a substantial part of the programme and analyses of current and future communicable disease impacts are to be developed. Partnerships are further strengthened through increased support to the Member States and the range of partnerships should be increased beyond Europe.
This page sets out the strategic priorities for the Emerging and Vector-borne Disease programme for 2010-2013, based on a short description of the epidemiological context and identified gaps that need action at the EU level, where ECDC can bring added value.
Epidemiological context
Vector-borne diseases are a specific group of infections that represent an emerging or resurgent threat to Europe, requiring particular attention. The increase of international travel and trade is an important factor for the importation of new pathogens and vectors. Environmental changes including climate may enhance the probability of vectors establishing in Europe or spreading from limited locations to new territories. These environmental factors, in combination with human behaviour and socio-economic factors could contribute to increase the risk of transmission of vector-borne disease, which represents a threat for the health of European citizens. The recent events of mosquito-borne disease transmission in EU exemplify this emerging threat.
Majors gaps at the EU-level
As diseases emerge, their presence in EU is not always detected, case definitions and surveillance methods are usually not standardised and the information on their epidemiology, often complex, is insufficient. In addition, resources allocated to rare and emerging diseases by Member States are usually limited.
ECDC strategic priorities
To address these uncertainties and improve the preparedness and response towards emerging vector-borne diseases, the Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases Programme develops its activities along the following strategic areas:
1. To improve the knowledge and develop a strategy for future activities in the field of vector and vector-borne diseases surveillance in order to strengthen preparedness in the EU for these, especially on tick-borne diseases (Lyme borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis, rickettsioses and Q-fever) and mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile fever, malaria, dengue and chikungunya).
- Coordinate a European network for arthropod vector surveillance for human public health.
- Produce risk assessments and peer-reviewed publications on specific diseases/vectors.
2. To encourage the exchange of scientific and public health expertise in the field of EVD.
- Liaise with scientific societies, research projects (for environmental and behavioural changes, modelling, etc.) and other health agencies.
3. To contribute to the early response to emerging threats by linking with the scientific expertise and diagnostic laboratory capacity in Europe and provide support to outbreak assistance teams in terms of diagnostic capacity, scientific advice and surveillance tools.
- Coordinate a European network for diagnostics of "imported" viral diseases.
4. To increase public and health professionals’ awareness of vector-borne diseases.
- Provide epidemiological updates and fact sheets on the current situation of vector-borne diseases in Europe.
- Create advice for travellers within continental EU.