ECDC supports Malta in strengthening country preparedness through a simulation exercise on a vector-borne disease outbreak
On 26 January 2025, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) supported the organisation of a simulation exercise (SIMEX) in Malta, to strengthen national preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks.
Guided by the EU Health Task Force (EUHTF), the SIMEX aimed to identify good practices, challenges and opportunities for improvement in existing emergency preparedness and response arrangements.
The exercise tested cross-sectoral collaboration and coordination in response to a chikungunya disease outbreak and was attended by professionals from different sectors, including public health, hospital care, primary healthcare, laboratory, civil protection, environmental health, and veterinary.
The event was also observed by experts from Cyprus and Liechtenstein, who attended with a view to organising similar activities in their countries. Since these are countries of comparable characteristics, their participation supported experience-sharing and exchange of knowledge to strengthen preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks.
By rehearsing roles, processes and procedures to be deployed in the event of public health emergencies, the SIMEX enhanced coordination, communication and joint decision-making in case of emergencies caused by disease outbreaks. The exercise also provided a platform for participants to share knowledge, capabilities and best practices, applying a One Health approach that integrates human, animal and environmental health.
The EU Health Task Force
The EUHTF is a public health workforce, coordinated by ECDC, which can be deployed to provide rapid support to European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries and beyond in response to public health threats related to communicable diseases or diseases of unknown origin. The EUHTF strengthens preparedness and response capacity through the deployment of multidisciplinary teams, the organisation of training activities, and the provision of targeted technical assistance.
By bringing together expertise from across Europe, the EUHTF enhances collaboration, facilitates exchange of experience and skills, supports swift action during public health emergencies and improves national and cross-border preparedness and response, thereby enhancing EU-wide resilience.
