Objectives
The EURL-PH-VBV aims to provide expertise in the field of vector-borne viruses to national expert laboratories (NEL), ECDC and the EU (European Union ) through the following objectives:
- Access to rapid (reference) diagnostics, virus characterisation, laboratory protocols, expert advice, and reference materials to establish or exclude an arbovirus infection according to EU-case definitions.
- A state-of-the-art routine and specialised diagnostic portfolio, reliable virus detection capacity and capability (including support of overall surge capacity if needed),
- Capacity/capability strengthening in the associated NEL- network through training and External Quality Assessment schemes based on identified knowledge gaps and needs within the network,
- Access to high-level expertise, essential technical and scientific information on specific arbovirus orders, families, genera, and species,
- Monitoring and (early)-alert notification support (laboratory intelligence).
- Face-to-face meetings to strengthen the coherence of the NELs and knowledge exchange
- Active communication and coordination with other EURLs, organsiations, initiatives and research projects within its scope.
Project activities
Work Package 1. Coordination and communication
Coordination of the EURL for Public Health in the field of vector-borne viral infections and the related laboratory network in the ECDC EVD-Net. This includes coordination and communication of activities with target audiences and supporting ECDC/EU (European Union ) risk communication. WP1 has scheduled monthly consortium meetings and technical coordination meeting with ECDC every 3 months.
Work Package 2. Reference diagnostics and characterisation
WP2 will provide EU/EEA countries with reference and confirmatory diagnostics for endemic, imported, and emerging vector-borne viruses as well as characterisation services.
WP2 services will contribute to the improvement and harmonisation of analytical methods for case identification and confirmation according to EU case definitions thereby strengthening EU surveillance.
Work Package 3. Reference materials and EQA
WP3 will provide reference materials for reliable detection and characterisation of vector-borne viruses. It will plan, coordinate, carry out, analyse, and communicate EQAs through proficiency testing on viruses/groups of viruses and test methods of vector-borne viral infections.
Work Package 4. Scientific advice, technical assistance
WP4 will support ECDC activities related to scientific and technical advice and risk assessment by contributing to ECDC technical reports on relevant vector-borne viral pathogens and associated diseases, on ad hoc request by ECDC.
Work Package 5. Unusual events & outbreak support
WP 5 will provide laboratory (EVD-Net) intelligence for detection of irregular observations and clusters. It will verify these signals and provide the labs and ECDC with rapid scientific and technical guidance, and rapid support for pathogen identification, characterisation, and reporting.
Work Package 6. Training
WP6 will provide the EVD-network labs with the scientific knowledge and technical expertise needed to increase capability for early, accurate and standardised detection, surveillance, and response to vector-borne viral diseases.
