To establish DIPNET as an official dedicated surveillance network (DSN) and to significantly expand upon the work undertaken in the DIPNET feasibility study.

To establish, maintain and develop a Pan European network of expertise for the prevention of diphtheria and other related infections caused by toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans . The integrated activities and collaborations with different professional disciplines and bodies is a key action as stipulated in the Community Action in the Field of Public Health Workplan 2005.

In liaison with the ECDC to undertake extensive assessment of public health surveillance for diphtheria within all EU Member States and associated countries.

Harmonise, standardise and enhance surveillance of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans in Europe.

Determine the disease prevalence and characteristics of toxigenic and non-toxigenic C.diphtheriae and C.ulcerans in a variety of populations with emphasis upon higher risk countries.

Provide valuable information by expansion of the DIPNET external quality assurance schemes for laboratory diagnosis to include epidemiological typing and serological immunity.

Develop novel tools for integrated molecular epidemiological characterisation so as to gain a clearer understanding of the spread of epidemic clones throughout the European Region.

Undertake serological immunity studies within 'high risk countries' and an assessment of methodologies used for serological studies across all Member States.