Epidemiology & Public Health

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular conditions, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases account for the majority of global mortality. This session examines the growing burden of NCDs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and explores effective prevention strategies grounded in epidemiological evidence. Participants will discuss the role of behavioral risk factors tobacco use, diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption and examine how public policy, urban planning, and health literacy can curb NCD incidence. Emphasis will be placed on surveillance data, screening programs, and community interventions that improve disease outcomes and promote sustainable health systems.

This session focuses on the ever-present threat of infectious diseases and the importance of being prepared for the next pandemic. Lessons learned from COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika will be discussed, with particular attention to epidemiological modeling, early warning systems, and global coordination. Participants will explore how data-driven surveillance, vaccine equity, and community engagement are central to pandemic preparedness. The session will also cover antimicrobial resistance (AMR), innovations in diagnostics, and how public health infrastructure must adapt to future biological threats.

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a public health emergency. This session will examine how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing ecosystems impact human health. Topics will include the epidemiology of climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria, heat-related illnesses, respiratory conditions, and mental health effects of environmental disasters. Speakers will also explore how vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected and how public health systems can mitigate risks through policy, surveillance, and cross-sector collaboration. Emphasis will be placed on the intersection of environmental justice and health equity.

Health outcomes are deeply influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions. This session will explore the role of social determinants including income, education, housing, and access to care in shaping public health. Epidemiological methods will be discussed in the context of identifying disparities and designing interventions that promote health equity. Presenters will showcase successful community-based initiatives, health equity metrics, and policy changes that address systemic inequities. The session also encourages dialogue around racial, ethnic, and gender-based disparities in health outcomes and the need for inclusive public health strategies.

Improving the health and survival of mothers and children remains a global priority. This session explores the latest epidemiological trends in maternal and child health, including pre- and postnatal care, nutrition, vaccination coverage, and access to essential services. Experts will discuss the impact of health inequities, social determinants, and conflict on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Innovative surveillance systems, early intervention strategies, and community-based programs that have shown measurable impact will be presented, alongside policies that support reproductive health, safe deliveries, and adolescent health education.

Mental health is an integral part of public health, yet it remains under-researched and underfunded globally. This session will examine the burden of mental illness across populations, the epidemiology of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide, and how behavioral factors contribute to long-term health outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on stigma reduction, mental health services integration, and population-level data collection. Attendees will explore behavioral surveillance models and community resilience frameworks that offer culturally sensitive, scalable interventions.

This session dives into the expanding field of genomic epidemiology, where the intersection of genetics and public health is reshaping prevention and treatment strategies. Topics include the use of genome sequencing in tracking infectious disease outbreaks, understanding inherited disease patterns, and tailoring public health interventions based on genetic risk. Participants will explore how integrating genomic data with traditional epidemiology enables more precise, population-specific health strategies, while also addressing ethical, legal, and equity challenges in precision health.

Strong health systems and evidence-informed policies are foundational to public health success. This session explores how epidemiological research supports health policy-making, from resource allocation to program evaluation. Attendees will examine health system performance metrics, the impact of universal health coverage, and lessons from policy responses during global crises like COVID-19. Real-world case studies will show how policy innovation grounded in data can improve access, efficiency, and equity in healthcare delivery across different national contexts.

Nutrition is central to preventing both undernutrition and chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. This session will highlight current trends in nutritional epidemiology, including food system analysis, dietary assessment tools, and public health nutrition programs. Speakers will address double burdens of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries and explore successful policy interventions such as food fortification, school feeding programs, and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. Emphasis will be placed on the role of cultural practices and socioeconomic status in shaping dietary behaviors.

Digital transformation is revolutionizing public health. This session explores how mobile technology, artificial intelligence, big data, and digital surveillance tools are reshaping epidemiological methods. Topics include real-time outbreak monitoring, telehealth, health informatics, wearable health tracking, and data visualization techniques. Attendees will gain insights into data privacy, interoperability challenges, and digital literacy requirements. Case studies will demonstrate how digital tools are enhancing health surveillance, behavior tracking, and health system responsiveness across diverse settings.

The workplace plays a significant role in shaping health outcomes, particularly for populations exposed to chemical, physical, or psychosocial hazards. This session focuses on the epidemiology of occupational diseases such as silicosis, asbestos-related cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, and work-related mental health issues. Experts will discuss regulatory frameworks, exposure assessment methods, and workplace intervention strategies. Attendees will explore how improved workplace surveillance and policies can protect vulnerable worker groups, particularly in informal or high-risk industries.

With life expectancy increasing globally, public health systems must adapt to the unique needs of aging populations. This session will explore the epidemiology of aging, including trends in dementia, falls, frailty, and multimorbidity. Participants will examine healthcare access, long-term care infrastructure, and healthy aging strategies. Emphasis will be placed on promoting independence, social inclusion, and early screening programs to support well-being in older adults. Innovative models from different countries will be presented.

This session highlights the public health implications of human mobility whether due to conflict, climate change, or economic migration. Topics include the epidemiology of refugee health, infectious disease outbreaks in camps, and barriers to healthcare access for displaced populations. Participants will learn about culturally competent care, mental health services for trauma survivors, and ethical challenges in collecting data among mobile populations. Real-world responses to recent migration crises will be examined to inform more inclusive health policy approaches.

From pandemics to natural disasters and bioterrorism, public health emergencies demand timely and coordinated responses. This session will explore preparedness frameworks, risk communication strategies, simulation exercises, and emergency operations centers (EOCs). Case studies will highlight lessons learned from global health emergencies, emphasizing community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and rapid data use. Participants will leave with practical insights into strengthening local and national emergency response systems for greater resilience.