Division 3.2.1 Protect citizens against health threats

Activities under this objective aim to develop strategies and mechanisms to respond to health threats and emergencies and to support actions underpinning the Decision creating a Community surveillance network^f1. Responsibility for the analysis and assessment of communicable diseases falls under the remit of the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC)^f2 and actions developed to support the management of these risks have been developed in consultation with the ECDC. In addition, the programme will cover identification of additional health threats, such as those posed by physical and chemical agents.

Activities to coordinate and support the health security preparedness and response capacity and planning of the Member States against biological and chemical agent attacks are being developed by the Health Security Committee in light of the conclusions of the Health Ministers of 15 November 2001^f3.

A new priority for the programming period will be work on adaptation to climate change, and in particular on the consequences of climate change to human health.