PDPC attended this year’s European Scientific Conference on Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology (ESCAIDE). During the Fireside session on Preparedness, Charlotte Waltz presented findings on integrated counselling during two simulation exercises on Avian Influenza.

This presentation focused on the importance of integrating different disciplines, such as biomedical sciences, social sciences and economics, in pandemic preparedness and response. Using simulations of bird flu outbreaks in the Netherlands, we investigated how integrated advice can identify blind spots, weigh urgency against long-term effects and improve advisory processes. Our findings highlight the need for flexible frameworks and multidisciplinary input to ensure effective and equitable policies in scientific advice.

There was a strong focus on multidisciplinary input and collaborations during the conference. With the launch of the ECDC Lighthouse Community and a session on risk communication and involvement of local communities co-organized with WHO, a stage was set for social and behavioural science aspects of infectious disease control.

The closing plenary session discussed the future of known infectious diseases. Nienke Beerlage-de Jong highlighted the impact of climate change, land use, urbanisation and human migration on the increase of vector-borne diseases. Tomasz Sobierajski discussed the importance of sociological insights in medicine, using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, focusing on social norms of both professionals and the population. Maria Wessman highlighted the increase in STIs among young people, especially among young women and heterosexual men, and stressed that prevention should go beyond surveillance and include behavioural changes.

Integrating insights from biomedical and social sciences, economics and risk communication can contribute to more sustainable and equitable solutions to future challenges. International collaboration provides a strong foundation for effective policy-making and innovative strategies in public health. ESCAIDE stressed that multidisciplinary collaboration and the involvement of communities are essential to be adequately prepared for the complex health risks of the future.