Emerging epidemics research. EU-funded projects 2002-2008

Infectious Diseases, once considered to be an issue of the on the worldwide agenda and are a major cause of mortality and years of life lost. Emerging and re-emerging infectious
diseases (EID) are of particular concern because they usually hit populations unprepared. Factors like climate change, increased long-distance travel and international animal trade, all contribute to a changing pattern and faster spread of these diseases. Appropriate diagnostic tests, vaccines, drugs, and proven containment and mitigation measures are frequently not available and the potential for an epidemic or pandemic exists. Research on EID is the only way to enhance preparedness, to react
quickly in the case of a new epidemic and – to the extent to which that is possible – to “prepare for the unknown”.

Following a recently published project synopsis of EU-funded influenza (a potentially pandemic infectious disease of particular concern) research projects, the present catalogue assembles 34 projects on other emerging epidemics, funded between 2002 and 2008 mostly through the European Commission’s Framework Programmes for Research, but also through its Public Health Programmes. It demonstrates
the scope and long-term track record of EU research funding in this field. The broad range of different approaches (from animal and human health to environmental aspects and policy support) highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in this area.

European Commission: DG Research: Health: Infectious Diseases: Emerging Epidemics http://ec.europa.eu/research/health/infectious-diseases/emerging-epidemics/index_en.html

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