2026/03/24 by Vanessa Lagal, Elisa Pérez-ramírez, Guillain Mikaty +22 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research #Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research #Zoonotic diseases and public health
paper · doi:10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101393
openalex publication_date 2026/03/24 · openalex created_date 2026/03/25 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
The rising incidence of vector-borne diseases driven by environmental degradation and climate change poses significant risks for human health. The implementation of integrated surveillance systems is of paramount importance to efficiently mitigate their emergence and spread. MediLabSecure (MLS) is a pioneer One Health network launched by the European Union in 2014 to strengthen preparedness and response capacities to tackle vector-borne diseases (VBD) in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Sahel regions, which are known hotspots for endemic and emerging vector-borne pathogens. MLS unites experts from human health, animal health and entomology across 24 countries to foster cross-sectoral collaboration through capacity building, networking, and regional cooperation. By promoting the development and implementation of integrated surveillance systems, MLS facilitates coordinated pathogen detection, vector monitoring, risk assessment, and control strategies that encompass the human-animal-environment interface. Over its ten-year history, the network has substantially strengthened technical capacities enabling improved arbovirus detection in human and animal samples, vector identification mapping and control, and integrated surveillance and risk assessment. The network experience demonstrates the critical importance of coordinated multisectoral actions, regional partnerships, and long-term investments in capacity building to combat existing and future health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. The bottom-up approach of the project, tailored to the specific needs of the beneficiary countries along with its long-term implementation - which fostered trust and stable collaborative initiatives - were key factors contributing to the success of MLS. This unique project offers a valuable blueprint for other regions aiming to implement One Health strategies to address complex transboundary public health challenges.