ECDC supports Malta in strengthening country preparedness through simulation exercise on vector-borne disease outbreak

Date: 2026-02-04 Source: ECDC News Category: Guidance (Preparedness Training)

Summary

On 26 January 2025, ECDC supported Malta in conducting a simulation exercise (SIMEX) focused on strengthening national preparedness and response capabilities for vector-borne disease outbreaks. The exercise simulated a chikungunya disease outbreak and brought together multi-sectoral professionals to test coordination mechanisms using a One Health approach.

Exercise Details

Event: Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) Date of Exercise: 26 January 2025 Location: Malta Simulated Disease: Chikungunya (vector-borne disease) Coordination: EU Health Task Force (EUHTF)

Participants

The exercise engaged professionals from multiple sectors:

Public health authorities
Hospital care providers
Primary healthcare services
Laboratory personnel
Civil protection agencies
Environmental health specialists
Veterinary representatives

International Observers: Representatives from Cyprus and Liechtenstein attended to learn best practices for their own countries.

Objectives

The SIMEX aimed to:

Identify good practices in emergency preparedness and response
Recognize challenges in existing arrangements
Discover opportunities for improvement
Enhance cross-sectoral coordination and communication
Strengthen joint decision-making capabilities

Key Approach

The exercise emphasized a One Health approach, integrating:

Human health
Animal health
Environmental health

This multi-sectoral integration is critical for vector-borne disease preparedness, as these diseases involve environmental vectors (mosquitoes), animal reservoirs, and human health impacts.

ECDC’s Role

Organizational support for the SIMEX
Coordination through the EU Health Task Force
Provision of technical expertise
Facilitation of cross-border learning (observers from Cyprus and Liechtenstein)

Significance

Why Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a vector-borne viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes (same vectors as dengue and Zika). Climate change is expanding the geographical range of these vectors into European regions, making preparedness exercises increasingly important.

EU Health Task Force

The EUHTF provides rapid support to EU/EEA countries during public health threats, facilitating coordinated responses across member states.

Capacity Building

This type of simulation exercise:

Tests existing protocols without real-world consequences
Identifies gaps in coordination mechanisms
Builds institutional memory and relationships
Enhances readiness for actual outbreaks

Public Health Implications

Preparedness Level: National capacity strengthening Geographic Scope: Malta (with regional learning for Cyprus and Liechtenstein) Threat Type: Vector-borne diseases (specifically arboviral infections) Response Mechanism: Multi-sectoral coordination using One Health approach

Vector-borne diseases are expanding their range in Europe due to:

Climate change enabling mosquito vector survival in new areas
Increased international travel and trade
Urbanization creating suitable vector habitats

Regular simulation exercises help EU/EEA countries maintain readiness for emerging vector-borne disease threats.

Source: ECDC News - Malta SIMEX