Our priorities
The Mérieux Foundation combats the deadliest infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and acute respiratory infections, at international level. It prioritizes the fight against antimicrobial resistance and is also committed to addressing the threat of emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
SARS-CoV-2, cholera, Ebola, Zika, leprosy—some pathogens suddenly impact populations, whether they are previously known (re-emerging pathogens) or newly identified (emerging pathogens).
Over the past 50 years, outbreaks of such diseases have become increasingly frequent due to environmental and social factors such as climate change and population displacement.
Research is essential in the fight against emerging pathogens. For this reason, the Mérieux Foundation regularly develops research programs focused on specific pathogens, including their epidemiology. The international networks of laboratories it supports, along with its multidisciplinary partners, can be swiftly mobilized in the event of an emerging or re-emerging dangerous pathogen.
By implementing projects to strengthen medical biology laboratory systems, the Mérieux Foundation also supports the most exposed countries in improving their diagnostic capabilities. It assists national and regional authorities in monitoring epidemics, helping them formulate appropriate responses in case of pathogen emergence or re-emergence.
Because 75% of emerging diseases have an animal origin and pathogens know no borders, the Mérieux Foundation adopts a One Health approach, which considers human health, animal health, and environmental factors together. This approach is essential for effectively combating emerging and re-emerging pathogens, as it provides a better understanding of their origins and modes of transmission.
of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals