The primary expected impact of this programme is enhancing and upgrading scientific knowledge of various aspects of EVD, obtained by developing and applying new scientific tools. By gathering the know-how and experiences from Europe and from endemic areas in the different WPs, the EbolaMoDRAD consortium will bridge the gap between different disciplines and resources. This will have an immediate impact on the achievement of the goals proposed in the programme. Based on the high quality-focused scientific activity, EbolaMoDRAD will undoubtedly contribute to upgrade existing knowledge in this field.

• Improvement of the field diagnostic resources

The programme will provide methods for initial on-site (point-of care) diagnosis (e.g. EBOV antibody-detecting lateral flow dipsticks). Using this “first-line” preparedness, spread of infection can be limited and all necessary activities for control and/or eradication can be implemented more quickly.

• Improvement of Biosafety aspects of the field diagnostic

One of the aims of the EbolaMoDRAD is to develop a vacuum tube containing anticoagulant and virus inactivating reagents for bedside-inactivation of virus for nucleid acid, serological and other biochemical tests. These tools will minimize the need of high containment and reduce the risk of spreading infection during laboratory analysis and sample transportation.

• Rapid RNA extraction

A pipette tip based rapid extraction method developed by Partner 16 (AJI) will be adapted to fied use. It will be compared to direct use of isothermal amplification in sera or in dilutions of sera. The objective will be to explore if one type of sera dilution or particular sera dilution for each respective assay meet the efficiency and sensitivity requirements expected of amplification assays or if extraction methods are indeed necessary.

• Creation of tools and new basic knowledge beyond the scope of the project

Within the EbolaMoDRAD project, new tools and knowledge will be generated beyond the scope of this project.

• Mobilising the capacity and infrastructure of the participating groups from different areas

In parallel to the enhanced activities mentioned above, the planned training courses and exchange activities will immediately provide the scientists with enhanced skills and SOPs to enable them to implement the modern diagnostic techniques. The exchange activities and the training courses will facilitate the integration of scientists from Europe, Africa and USA.