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European Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases Network (EVD-Net)

The European network dedicated to Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases (EVD-Net) is composed of National Focal Points (NFPs) and Operational Contact Points (OCPs), nominated by the National Coordinators from all EU/EEA Member States. There are specific OCPs for Epidemiology, Microbiology and TESSy Interactions.  

A Disease Network Coordination Committee (DNCC) is elected from members to reflect the broad expertise and geographic diversity in the network. The Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases (EVD) team of ECDC communicates, consults and cooperates with EVD-Net on surveillance, response, prevention, control and preparedness aspects of EVDs and vectors, with particular focus on country needs and country support possibilities.  

ECDC organises annual network meetings and biannual DNCC meetings, as well topic-specific ad-hoc meetings.

In the annual EVD network meeting, NFPs are informed on the recent activities at ECDC on surveillance, response and preparedness support, prevention and control of EVDs, or any other disease-related technical, epidemiological or scientific topics. NFPs can provide their opinions and feedback on ECDC’s work with EVDs, advise on country priorities and support needs, and share recent experiences on EVDs. They can identify common challenges and to address the needs, providing information and recommendations that can guide the work programme. Additionally, network meetings promote networking between multidisciplinary experts on EVDs.

Representatives of EU enlargement countries are invited as observers, as well as representatives of the EVD-funded entomology and laboratory networks (VectorNet and EVD-LabNet) and representatives of the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe. 

The DNCC is often consulted by ECDC EVD experts on opinions about specific EVD events and threats, policy decisions and activities of the Centre. 

Besides network meetings, communication between the members of the network and the ECDC EVD group is implemented through the EpiPulse platform and email correspondence.