The European Union Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Food- and Water-borne Viruses (EURL-PH-FWDV)
Article
|Last update
The European Union Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Food- and Water-borne Viruses (EURL-PH-FWDV) is one of nine European Union Reference Laboratories for Public Health designated by the European Commission (EC). The EURL-PH-FWDV project period is from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2032.
Project summary
The European Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Food- and Water-borne Viruses (EURL-PH-FWDV) supports National Reference and Expert Laboratories, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the European Commission (EC) in strengthening preparedness, surveillance, and response for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) across the EU.
HAV and HEV pose significant and persistent public health challenges in Europe, driven by cross-border transmission through food, water and direct contact, in particular when travelling to high endemic regions for these pathogens. While HAV diagnostics and surveillance are relatively well established, important gaps remain in molecular typing. HEV is still underdiagnosed in many countries, with limited access to diagnostics, molecular typing and surveillance practices.
The EU-funded EURL-PH-FWDV provides scientific and technical support with a strong focus on molecular typing, including whole genome sequencing (WGS) and quality assurance. Key activities include the development, testing, and implementation of WGS protocols for surveillance, distribution and evaluation of External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes, and support to Member States in building sustainable sequencing capacity.
Through harmonised protocols, reference diagnostics, bioinformatics support, and coordinated EQA activities, the EURL-PH-FWDV together with the ECDC promotes standardised laboratory practices and high-quality data generation across Europe. This work strengthens early outbreak detection, cross-border surveillance, and evidence-based public health response for hepatitis A and E.
Project objectives
- Provide HAV and HEV reference diagnostics and typing services (upon agreement with ECDC)
- Provide technical support and ensure protocol harmonization
- Support the ECDC in case of multi-country outbreaks or other unusual events
- Provide high quality External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes for molecular typing of HAV and HEV
- Facilitate data sharing and research collaboration
- Efficient coordination and management
- Ensure good communication and dissemination
- Monitor and evaluate progress
Consortium
|
Institution |
Members |
|
Kathrine Stene-Johansen, Christine G., |
|
Harry Vennema |
|
Jürgen Wenzel, Mathias Schemmerer, Mona Meyer
|
Results
Here we will share results from the project. For ECDC Operational Contact Points (OCPs) and National Focal Points (NFPs) for Hepatitis A virus you should visit the ECDC Sharepoint site named “ECON EURL for FWDV collaboration site” for detailed information on diagnostics services and protocols.
Contact information
General enquiries: EURL-PH-FWDV@fhi.no
Primary coordinator contact: Kathrine Stene-Johansen
Project facts
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Period: 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2032
Grant Amount: €3.250.000,00
Granting Authority: HaDEA
The project receives funding under EU4Health, call ID: EU4H-2024-DGA-MS-IBA-03
Grant Agreement number: 101246587