Efficient response to highly dangerous and emerging pathogens at EU level (EMERGE)

Project summary

The human population is confronted with emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens with the potential to cause serious cross-border outbreaks. A recent example is the Ebola outbreak requiring strong diagnostic, clinical, and public health measures in Europe and abroad in order to get this incident under control. EMERGE aims to provide a common, coordinated and effective response to infectious disease outbreaks at EU level and abroad. State of the art and new diagnostic methods for high threat pathogens are evaluated. External quality assurance exercises and training schemes are performed to ensure best approaches for laboratory responsiveness in outbreak situations.

EMERGE will provide a platform for establishment and consolidation of a common, coordinated and effective response to infectious disease outbreaks at EU level and abroad. State of the art and new diagnostic methods for high threat pathogens, including in-house and commercial kits, will be evaluated for their applicability and recommended in outbreak situations when suitable. External quality assurance exercises will ensure best approaches for laboratory responsiveness in outbreak situations. These activities will be supported by an appropriate training to share best practices of diagnostics and bio-risk management.