Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM), supported by the Italian Ministry of Health and in partnership with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno (IZSM), the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia (IZSSI) and the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte-Liguria-Valle D’Aosta (IZSPLV), launched in 2019 the “Enhancing Research for Africa Network – ERFAN” to strengthen cooperation between African and Italian Veterinary Services, promote research and enhance capacities for the prevention and diagnosis of critical animal diseases, including zoonoses.

During the first activity cycle – concluded in April 2024 – ERFAN involved 31 African (17 Northern, 14 Southern) and 7 Italian veterinary institutions, representing, in total, 20 countries: a network that has grown over the years, laying the foundations for mutual trust, increased knowledge and skills, and collaborative research projects in veterinary public health.