On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on December 27, we emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the need for proactive measures to combat emerging infectious diseases. The Yellow4FLAVI project, funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe’s call for pandemic preparedness and response, exemplifies the multidisciplinary efforts required to tackle such pressing global health challenges.
Yellow4FLAVI is gathering a consortium of 13 partners across seven countries in Europe and Colombia. The project unites diverse expertise, including molecular and structural virologists, cell biologists, immunologists, computational scientists, clinicians, and social scientists. Together, we are working to understand the yellow fever vaccine, a cornerstone in fighting a deadly mosquito-borne disease, to uncover the mechanisms of vaccine-induced immunity. These insights are essential for developing new vaccines against related flaviviruses, such as dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus.
The urgency of this research is heightened by the expanding presence of Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors of these diseases, in Europe. Climate change is enabling these mosquitoes to thrive in regions previously unsuitable for them, increasing the risk of outbreaks of diseases that were once confined to tropical areas.
In addition to advancing immunological research, Yellow4FLAVI integrates social sciences to better understand the drivers of vaccination behavior and vaccine hesitancy. This ensures that future interventions are not only scientifically robust but also socially acceptable and impactful.
On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, we highlight the importance of continued efforts to anticipate, understand, and mitigate epidemic risks to build a healthier and more resilient global community.
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