The research and expertise Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit was established on July 1, 2001.
The unit focuses on two main research areas. The first relates to the modes of transmission and prevention methods for infections caused by emerging pathogens. The second focuses on clinical research, particularly natural history cohorts and therapeutic trials related to the treatment of HIV, HCV, and HBV infections.
The term “emerging pathogens” is used in a broad sense. It includes pathogens that have recently appeared as epidemics in human populations, such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 betacoronaviruses. It also refers to recently identified pathogens, such as HCV, as well as those that have expanded into new geographic areas, like the Zika virus and Mpox.
The unit also plays a key role in epidemiological expertise. It contributes to the strategic planning of the Pasteur Institute (PI), particularly in areas where epidemiology is essential. It provides methodological support in epidemiology and biostatistics to other PI units. Additionally, it actively participates in epidemiology teaching activities within the campus and the PI network.
As part of its educational efforts, the unit has played a major role in developing epidemiology and biostatistics courses at the Pasteur-CNAM School of Public Health.
Most of the unit’s projects are conducted in resource-limited countries in Africa and Asia. These projects are preferably carried out in collaboration with institutes from the Pasteur Network.
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