Objectives and activities
General objectives of EURL-PH-AMR include the further strengthening the EU public health microbiology capacity; facilitating technology transition to optimise EU-wide use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of antimicrobial resistant bacteria for detection, surveillance and epidemiologic investigations; and strengthening collaboration and integration between the public health microbiology networks coordinated by ECDC and those coordinated by other relevant bodies, including the European Commission and other international organisations addressing public health issues. The services and activities of the EURL-PH-AMR are organised in horizontal (administrative) and technical work packages in which specific objectives are addressed.
The general objectives of the EURL are to:
- facilitate technology transition to optimise EU-wide use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of antimicrobial resistant bacteria for detection, surveillance, and epidemiologic investigations of cross-border outbreaks by providing scientific and technical coordination, capacity building and operational support to network members. Facilitating near real-time data sharing of WGS data for inter-operability between laboratory and public health information systems.
- strengthen the EU public health microbiology capacity by executing and supporting activities to improve the detection, surveillance and risk assessment of antimicrobial resistant bacteria at national and EU level. This includes continuing quality assessment, technical harmonisation and training provided to the network members.
- enhance collaboration and integration within and between the public health microbiology networks coordinated by ECDC and those coordinated by other relevant bodies, including the European Commission, WHO and EFSA, with a particular focus on One Health integration of laboratory activities underpinning EU surveillance of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
The European Union Reference Laboratory for Public Health on Antimicrobial Resistance works toward the objectives through fullfilling multple workpackages (WPs):
- Horizontal work packages (WP1-WP4): The work packages WP1-WP4 include coordination, dissemination and communication, evaluation and sustainability tasks that underpins the delivery of support for the entire contract. This includes previous Task 12, 13, 14 and 15 from the initial application for designation of an EURL.
- Technical work packages WP5-WP11 can be grouped into three groups on a) diagnostic reference testing, b) quality of diagnostic and typing results, and c) development of NRL capacity and capability for members of EURGen-Net.
