Infectious diseases continue to pose a serious threat to global health and economies. The discovery of antibiotics and the development of new vaccines have saved millions of lives and led to major public health victories. Despite these successes, common infections, caused by known pathogens still have a large impact on global health, especially to vulnerable patient groups. In the last few decades, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has further increased the mortality and morbidity of bacterial infections. In addition to the problem of AMR, we have seen the (re)emergence of new pathogens, especially zoonotic pathogens (pathogens that have crossed the species barrier from animals to humans). Although different in their origin, spread, modes of transmission, and clinical manifestations, the infectious diseases caused by these emerging and re-emerging pathogens have one thing in common: they constitute a global threat to human health and can disrupt entire economies.
Long-term, sustained, and coordinated efforts are needed to develop and implement a wide range of preventive and reactive interventions to limit the impact of infectious diseases. This includes both clinical interventions (e.g. antimicrobials, vaccines, diagnostics, treatment regimens etc.) as well as public health interventions (e.g. quarantine measures, lockdowns, hygiene measures, physical distancing, face masks etc.).
ECRAID aims to provide for the platform to support such a coordinated approach in Europe, focussing on the efficient and effective development and implementation of clinical interventions against infectious diseases.
