Ukraine Launches $12 Million 'One Health' Biological Risk Monitoring System

In Ukraine, an international project titled 'Achieving Goals and Supporting Epidemic Control' (EpiC) has officially commenced, boasting a budget of $12 million. This initiative is designed to bolster the nation's readiness for potential epidemics and to address the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance, which poses significant challenges in the healthcare sector. The announcement was made by the press service of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba).

During the inaugural meeting held in Kyiv, Oleg Osyian, the First Deputy Head of Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba, emphasized that effective epidemic control is unattainable without close collaboration among public health systems, veterinary medicine, and laboratory services. 'This is the synergy that the EpiC project aims to create,' he stated, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing risks associated with epidemics.

Osyian further noted that Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba has already approved a national monitoring plan for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which will facilitate systematic tracking of the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. He pointed out that this issue is a component of national security, as antimicrobial resistance can significantly complicate the treatment of infectious diseases and pose a threat to public health.

The EpiC project is funded by the U.S. Department of State and is being implemented under the 'One Health' approach, which integrates efforts in the fields of human health, animal health, and ecosystem health. The program is designed to strengthen laboratory capabilities and develop a disease outbreak response system, critical for timely detection and control of epidemics.

EpiC is part of a global initiative that encompasses over 50 countries, reflecting international support and the significance of this issue on the world stage. The active phase of the project in Ukraine began in 2025, allowing the country to adopt new approaches to epidemic monitoring and control.

Key participants in the program include the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba, the Center for Public Health, and a network of regional centers for disease control and prevention. Collaboration among these institutions will ensure a comprehensive approach to combating epidemics and strengthen the healthcare system in Ukraine.