Operation of dedicated surveillance networks and networking activities
Article 5
1. The Centre, through the operation of the dedicated surveillance networks and the provision of technical and scientific expertise to the Commission and Member States, shall support the networking activities of the competent bodies recognised by the Member States. 2. The Centre shall ensure the integrated operation of dedicated surveillance networks of authorities and structures designated under Decision No 2119/98/EC, where necessary with the assistance of one or more of the surveillance networks. It shall in particular: (a) provide quality assurance by monitoring and evaluating surveillance activities of such dedicated surveillance networks to ensure optimal operation; (b) maintain the database(s) for such epidemiological surveillance; (c) communicate the results of the analysis of data to the Community network; and (d) harmonise and rationalise the operating methodologies. 3. By encouraging cooperation between expert and reference laboratories, the Centre shall foster the development of sufficient capacity within the Community for the diagnosis, detection, identification and characterisation of infectious agents which may threaten public health. The Centre shall maintain and extend such cooperation and support the implementation of quality assurance schemes. 4. The Centre shall cooperate with the competent bodies recognised by the Member States, particularly on preparatory work for scientific opinions, scientific and technical assistance, collection of data and identification of emerging health threats.