The SHARP Joint Action aims to strengthen preparedness in the EU and EEA against serious cross-border health threats and to support the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and the decision 1082/2013/EU. One way to contribute to this aim is through training, local exercises and exchange of working practices.
Work package 8 focuses on providing partner organisations with people development opportunities such as secondments, study tours or internships to supranational organisations/other SHARP partner organisations. (PDF)
The chance to broaden experience and understanding through a study visit to the DG SANTE Health Security Unit, Luxembourg, January 2023
The call is now open for up to 3 individuals from low GNI countries to attend a fully funded, two-day study tour of the EU Health Security Unit. Expressions of interest need to be submitted by 23 December 2022.
The study tour will provide an immersive experience through 1-to-1 meetings and informal chats with colleagues working on different policy areas to gain an overview of the work. Such professional exchange provides a real chance to build new networks and professional relationships.
Ideally, we’re looking to support groups of up to three people linked with a common interest or focus, e.g., general surveillance and epidemic intelligence; microbiology and molecular surveillance; etc.
Participants will be offered on a first come, first served basis. All expressions of interest will be kept on file as there maybe potential for further sessions.
Register your interest in the DG Sante study visit by 23 December 2022
RKI study tour facilitated peer-to-peer advice and jointly developed approaches to health security challenges

Planned to coincide with the 15th European Public Health Conference 9-12 November 2022, on 7 and 8 November 2022 a study tour with five professionals from public health institutes of Serbia, Greece and Portugal took place at the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin. During the study tour, the participants received an overview of the role of the RKI as the German public health institute and discussed crisis management structures and practical challenges in their countries.
These discussions followed a peer-to-peer advice format which enabled jointly developed, potential approaches to challenges and solutions.
The participants also had the opportunity to visit the RKI Emergency Operation Centre and the RKI Museum. The study tour ended with a visit to the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence (https://pandemichub.who.int), where opportunities and potential developments in surveillance and epidemic intelligence were discussed.
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