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The PROTECT International Project – A New Phase in Cross-Border Preparedness for Infectious Threats

30/07/2025

The implementation of the international project "PROTECT – Pandemic Response and Operational Tactics for Enhanced Containment and Tracking" (abbreviated as PROTECT) officially commences on August 1, 2025, with financial support from the European Union under the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Programme 2021-2027. The project is a strategic initiative launched in response to current public health challenges in the Central European region, particularly infectious and zoonotic diseases.

The PROTECT project aims to strengthen the preparedness and rapid response of public health systems to cross-border infectious threats, particularly zoonoses. Through the modernization of laboratory infrastructure, the introduction of innovative diagnostic tools, and the development of partnerships, the project seeks to reduce infection detection and response times to 24–48 hours.

A multinational partner team from four countries ensures the success of the project:

Our organization's tasks within the project include: assessing the knowledge of the general public, livestock farmers, and hunters in the cross-border and domestic regions regarding the spread, treatment, and prevention of rabies and other zoonoses.

Our responsibilities also include publishing the survey results in the form of scientific publications, as well as creating educational brochures and pamphlets for prevention and information purposes. As part of the two-year project, further professional meetings, consultations, workshops, and public information sessions will be organized.

A key element of the project will be the implementation of the miniVIDAS system, capable of ultra-fast detection of bacterial pathogens. This reduces time loss during outbreaks and allows for more effective localization of infections.

Furthermore, the following will be ensured:

  • reconstruction of laboratories and procurement of equipment;

  • training for medical and veterinary professionals;

  • development of cross-border interaction protocols;

  • implementation of systems for collecting and analyzing epidemiological data;

  • increasing community awareness through information campaigns.

The PROTECT project is implemented in response to the urgent need for improved coordination between the participating countries and to address disparities in emergency preparedness. Pandemics and infectious threats know no borders; therefore, it is essential to join forces at a regional level.

This is fully aligned with the strategic goal of the Interreg NEXT Programme – fostering cooperation to improve the quality of life for residents in border regions.

Beneficiaries:

  • Medical and veterinary professionals: enhanced skills, new tools, and diagnostic technologies.

  • Governments: access to more accurate analytical systems for informed decision-making.

  • Communities: increased awareness, effective vaccination campaigns, and stray animal control.

  • Researchers and educational institutions: new opportunities for cross-border knowledge and experience exchange.

  • Hunters, farmers, and agricultural holdings: enhanced biosecurity, awareness of zoonotic risks through training opportunities, and joint preventive measures.

The PROTECT project symbolizes an innovative approach to healthcare on an international level. Through the synergy between governmental institutions, public bodies, laboratories, and the community, a reliable system is being established to respond to today's challenges.

Further details about the project and upcoming events can be found on the partners' official social media pages.

Földkelte Cultural and Environmental Association