One Health is an integrated approach, which recognizes the interlinkage of humans, wild and domesticated animals, plants and the wider ecosystem in both disease outbreak emergence and control. As such, it is becoming increasingly apparent that such an interdisciplinary approach is critical for effective disease control. Disease outbreaks often occur in hard-to-reach locations, far away from the high containment facilities necessary to diagnose pathogens of higher biosafety levels (risk group 3 and 4 pathogens).

Our group, therefore, aims to address this challenge, through a two-pronged approach:

• Through “in-outbreak” field research, utilizing mobile clinical trial research laboratories to understand risk and epidemiological factors driving epidemics for the development of novel interventions, vaccines and diagnostics for AMR and (re)-emerging infectious diseases (risk group 3 and 4)
• Through implementation of rapid response mobile laboratories (RRMLs), tailored to the different needs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and in Europe. Focusing on the full spectrum of disease control, including surveillance, preparedness and response, and in conjunction with national agencies and ministries, our group has an interest in sustained disease prevention and control, through intensive local capacity building, workforce development and the implementation of novel molecular diagnostic approaches.

If you are a government or funding agency, and interested in establishing mobile laboratory capacity in your country or region, please contact us to learn more about the One Health Disease Control Group’s proven approach to mobile laboratory development, knowledge transfer and workforce training.