Aim of project MEVIR is to influence regional public health policies through the advancement of molecular detection and epidemiological mapping of sexually transmitted viral infections (STVIs) in the cross-border populations of Greece and Bulgaria. 

Women, young people, and members of minority groups are particularly affected by STVIs, and this is also influenced by the racial and ethnic categories in which they belong.  Specific subtypes of human papilomaviruses (HPVs), the most common STVI, are considered as the etiological agents for cervical cancer.

The epidemiological mapping of local prevalence of STVIs, via molecular detection in the female population of Greece and Bulgaria, and the identification of potentially high-risk subgroups in both countries may influence Public Health Policies.

The information disseminated to the stakeholders in the two countries, as well as to the general public, is anticipated to raise awareness of STVI prevention and the risks associated with dangerous sexual attitudes. Detection of certain HPV strains and their link to cancer is crucial to the health education of young people and their parents. The project exploits the benefits of long-term partnership between academic institutions in the region and organizations involved in public health policy making.