Official opening of the project «Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context»

On September 18, 2025 year, a launching information event was held in a mixed format – both face-to-face and online (via Zoom) – in Odesa (Panteleimonivska St., 13, room 312), hosted by Odesa State Agrarian University as a project partner. The event marked the official opening of the project “Development of Screening and Monitoring Systems for Emerging Diseases and Prevention of Cross-Border Epidemics in the Current Context” (Project acronym: SMS-RO-UA, Project number: ROUA00136), financed by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Ukraine Programme 2021–2027.

The project’s specific objective is to strengthen research capacity on emerging diseases in the cross-border area to improve surveillance and prevent epidemics in the Lower Danube region. This will be achieved by enhancing the capacities of two research institutions from Romania and Ukraine, developing a joint screening and monitoring system, and implementing coordinated cross-border actions.

Project results:

— Joint scientific research will be conducted on African swine fever, West Nile virus, bird flu, leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis within the framework of the “One Health” concept.

— Laboratories of Romanian and Ukrainian partners will be equipped with specialized instruments to be purchased and put into operation.

— A joint GIS platform will be developed based on the results of the research.

— Step-by-step protocols for identifying the sources of African swine fever, West Nile virus, bird flu, leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis, as well as recommendations for their prevention and joint eradication measures, will be created.

— Awareness and knowledge sharing will be enhanced through information campaigns, training seminars, workshops, and study visits.

— The practical guide “Assessment of Emerging Diseases” will be developed as a key joint output, providing a harmonized approach to disease assessment (covering all stages) and contributing to EU policy in the field of the “One Health” concept.”

These actions are expected to:

• Promote prevention, improve preparedness, enhance surveillance, and coordinate responses to potential cross-border epidemics.
• Bring together a diverse group of experts from animal health, food safety, medicine, veterinary science, infectious and viral disease research institutions, epidemiology, and government agencies to foster a collaborative approach to combating emerging diseases.
• Raise awareness of animal health and welfare within the framework of the “One Health” approach.
• Increase awareness among animal owners and the general public regarding animal health, food safety, and the prevention of cross-border epidemics.
• Encourage the exchange of knowledge and ideas on the etiology, diagnosis, and prevention of diseases occurring in the cross-border region.
• Create new and strengthen existing partnerships, expand the network of cooperating institutions, and take a step forward toward aligning Ukraine with EU standards.

FUNDING

• Total project budget - 418.063,41 EUR

• Total EU grant - 376.257,06 EUR

• EU grant for OSAU - 130.273,92 EUR

PROJECT PARTNERS

Lead Partner - Youth public organization «New European Generation» (Ukraine)

Partner 2 - Veterinary Sanitary and Food Safety Directorate Tulcea (Romania)

Partner 3 - Odesa State Agrarian University (Ukraine)

The goal of the launching information event in Odesa was to raise awareness among a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of local governments and executive authorities, industry agencies, non-governmental organizations, higher education institutions, research organizations, and medical centers about the start of the project implementation, the project's issues, its main goals, stages, benefits, milestones and expected results.

The event covered the following topics:

• Purpose, relevance and resources of the project;
• Project participants and partners;
• EU project funding;
• Implementation stages, components and activities of the project;
• Transboundary epidemics in the modern context.

Results Achieved from the Event:

• Awareness of the project activities and EU funding was significantly increased, and media attention was successfully attracted, helping to create an information base.
• A support network for the long-term sustainability of the project was established, contributing to a positive image of the project among stakeholders.
• Public awareness of the need for and prospects of participation in the project as stakeholders was raised.