The MediLabSecure project, funded by the European Union (EU) through the European Centres of Excellence for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation, marks its 10th anniversary this month. Over the past decade, MediLabSecure has significantly bolstered public health capabilities in 22 countries in the EU neighbourhood by fostering a comprehensive One Health approach to combat vector-borne diseases, that result from an infection transmitted to humans and animals by blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
Since its start in 2014, the project has facilitated the integration of One Health strategies into national policies, advocating for a holistic approach that encompasses human, animal, and environmental health. Coordinated by Pasteur Institute in Paris, the network includes five other leading scientific institutions from EU Member States, working collaboratively to enhance health security amid the growing threats of infectious diseases driven by climate change and global travel.
MediLabSecure has trained over 1,500 professionals in crucial areas such as laboratory diagnostics, biosafety, epidemiology, and vector control, thus enhancing regional capacities to detect and respond to outbreaks. The network has established robust surveillance systems for vector-borne diseases and facilitated groundbreaking research projects that advance our understanding of disease transmission dynamics. By providing evidence-based recommendations, MediLabSecure has influenced public health policies, contributing to the development of effective national and regional strategies for disease prevention and control.
The project's achievements will be celebrated with a series of events, including scientific conferences, workshops, and public awareness campaigns, aimed at reflecting on past successes and envisioning future directions. These events will focus on regional and multisectoral cooperation in tackling emerging infectious diseases impacted by climate change.
MediLabSecure’s decade of dedication exemplifies the power of regional collaboration and the importance of integrated health strategies in safeguarding public health. As the project moves forward, it continues to pave the way for innovative solutions to emerging health challenges, reinforcing its commitment to global health security.
For more information, visit the One Health Network for the Prevention of Vector-Borne Diseases | MediLabSecure.