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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
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Provide HAV and HEV reference diagnostics and typing services (upon agreement with ECDC)
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Provide technical support and ensure protocol harmonization
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Support the ECDC in case of multi-country outbreaks or other unusual events
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Provide high quality External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes for molecular typing of HAV and HEV
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Facilitate data sharing and research collaboration
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Efficient coordination and management
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Ensure good communication and dissemination
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Monitor and evaluate progress
Funding
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 Amout: € 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
Consortium
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Institution |
Members |
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Kathrine Stene-Johansen, Christine G.,
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Harry Vennema |
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Jürgen Wenzel, Mathias Schemmerer, Mona Meyer
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