Webinar on joint programming for risk assessments in vector borne diseases

Background

Climate change and globalisation can significantly impact the emergence and distribution of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Climate change can lead to changes in vector habitats with the subsequent change in the dynamics of these vectors and the disease agents they carry. In parallel, in a world with increased globalisation the transmission and rapid spread of vectors and pathogens challenge also our preparedness capacity. It is foreseen that these challenges will not cease, therefore maintaining a high level of preparedness against VBDs is needed. The long-term aspect of the monitoring required, the continuous need for updates, and the need for multidisciplinary approaches, underlines the importance of enhanced collaboration among Member States (MSs), as well as with other stakeholders including EFSA to address the challenges posed by VBDs. 

The concept of developing a joint programme between EFSA and MSs is an initiative that aims to optimise the delivery of complementary risk assessments, to faster share scientific knowledge and to increase the capacity to deal with future challenges related to VBDs. With that purpose, EFSA has launched a call for support with the building up of long-term capacities and partnerships, to develop a common roadmap of scientific topics to be addressed, to enhance the coordination and optimisation of resources, and address gaps in knowledge across the EU.

Objectives of the meeting

During this webinar EFSA aimed to present the key aspects of a recently launched grant call for proposal regarding risk assessment. The call aims to enhance the capacity for risk assessments at the European Union level by further developing partnerships among the European institutions that hold this competency. By establishing long term collaborations and harmonisation of the approaches to carry out risk assessments, EFSA aims to reinforce the development of science that can support decision making in vector-borne diseases. EFSA clarified and answered questions related to this call during the session. Aside from clarifications on the objectives of the call, tasks, and deliverables, EFSA clarified questions related to the application process and the implementation of the grant agreement.

Contact

Do not hesitate to contact the organising committee at webinars [at] efsa.europa.eu (webinars[at]efsa[dot]europa[dot]eu) for more information.