European centre for disease prevention and control
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is an independent agency of the European Union (EU) aimed at strengthening Europe's defenses against infectious diseases. The ECDC was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Solna, Sweden.
Pronunciation
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: /ˈjʊərəpiːən ˈsɛntər fɔːr dɪˈziːz prɪˈvɛnʃən ænd kənˈtroʊl/
Etymology
The name of the organization is self-explanatory, with "European" referring to its geographical scope, "Centre" indicating its function as a hub for information and coordination, "Disease Prevention and Control" describing its primary mission.
Function
The ECDC's main goal is to assess and communicate current and emerging threats to human health from communicable diseases. It works in partnership with national health protection bodies across Europe to strengthen and develop continent-wide disease surveillance and early warning systems.
Related Terms
- Infectious Diseases: Diseases caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies and are normally harmless or even helpful, but under certain conditions, some organisms may cause disease.
- European Union: A political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe.
- Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.
- Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
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