Courtesy Photo | Tamar Chunashvili (WRAIR-EME) discussing various entomological topics.... read more read more
In Tbilisi, Georgia, from February 17–21, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research – Europe–Middle East conducted its first-ever disease surveillance training for the Polish Armed Forces Epidemiological Response Center. The training covered the entire process of vector surveillance from the field collection of mosquitos and ticks to genetic testing and data analysis.
The training is a key component of a growing partnership between WRAIR-EME and the Polish Armed Forces. Since 2020, WRAIR-EME and the Polish Armed Forces have collaborated on field collection efforts, initially focusing on ticks to assess pathogens that threaten human health. This long-term engagement evolved into a formal data-sharing agreement, with plans to extend vector collection to include mosquitos and sandflies and adopt more advanced sequencing techniques.
“This training was the first of many to come,” explained Col. Barbara Bujak, director of WRAIR-EME. “Training the Polish Armed Forces and synergizing our efforts helps us better understand the vectors and the disease threats. Better understanding those threats allows us to protect the health of our warfighters when they visit those countries.”
This training underscores an increasingly important regional effort to mitigate the risks of diseases carried by mosquitos, ticks, and other vectors among U.S., Polish, and allied military forces. “By hosting this training and facilitating more trainings in the future, we are strengthening our partnerships, enhancing interoperability, and maintaining medical readiness for our warfighters,” Bujak added. WRAIR-EME is working to expand their vector collection to include mosquitos and sandflies as well as conducting follow-up training with more advanced sequencing and analysis techniques.
| Date Taken: | 04.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.15.2025 14:19 |
| Story ID: | 495292 |
| Location: | GE |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, WRAIR – Europe-Middle East provides vector surveillance training to the Polish Armed Forces, by Zeke Gonzalez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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