New PANDEM-2 project set to strengthen EU preparedness to future pandemics
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) takes part in a new EU Horizon 2020 project. The PANDEM-2 project, started in February 2021, will develop IT systems and processes to improve the European Union’s preparedness and response to future pandemics.
While Europe has responded robustly to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is room for improvement in the analysis of real time data, in the sharing of information across borders and in adopting common and consistent policies. Future pandemics are to be expected with population growth, international air travel and environmental factors increasing the likelihood of diseases crossing from animals to humans.
Protecting the health and security of citizens across the EU in the face of these pandemic threats requires member states and agencies to share information and to collaborate on joint policies and approaches.
Innovations in technology, training and cross-border collaboration
New solutions developed by PANDEM-2 will enable the simulation of future pandemics and the training of pandemic managers on a national and pan-European basis. PANDEM-2 tools will also allow for improved planning and management of critical resources including hospital beds, personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccines. This will position Europe to respond coherently and effectively to the next pandemic, whenever it comes and whatever form it takes.
“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the society and economy of countries worldwide. The PANDEM-2 project aims to better prepare EU member states for future pandemics through innovations in technology, training and cross-border collaboration”, says Anna Katz, Project Manager at THL.
THL brings public health and epidemiological expertise to PANDEM-2
The project consortium, led by National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), brings together European experts from the health, security, defence, microbiology, communications, information technology and emergency management fields. Its Advisory Board membership includes the World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Specifically the Department of Health Security at THL takes part in PANDEM-2. The Department of Health Security is in charge of preventing, combating and monitoring infection and environmental threats on a national level. THL has a central role in current national Covid-19 response, and strong experience in pandemic management. THL is also leading a large EU Joint Action on health security, SHARP JA, which aims to strengthen preparedness in the EU against serious cross-border threats to health, and support the implementation of International Health Regulations.
PANDEM-2 builds upon key insights and lessons learned in several previous EU-funded projects including the original PANDEM, beAWARE, CARISMAND, DARWIN, SAYSO and IN-PREP. This €9.75m project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
Further information
PANDEM-2 project webpage
(THL)
Anna Katz
project manager, THL
[email protected]
Liina Voutilainen
senior researcher, THL
[email protected]
