The IDWC 2026 Global Epidemiology and Surveillance session will focus on how disease patterns occur worldwide. Real-time surveillance systems are essential when identifying new outbreaks of disease. Additionally, during this session, participants will learn about how epidemiological data can influence decisions in public health. There will also be opportunities to explore global monitoring strategies to determine the best practices for monitoring the spread of disease worldwide. In addition to the global collaboration on the surveillance efforts being used at IDWC 2026, participants will also be provided with concrete examples of successful outbreak-tracking systems. During this session, attendees will be reminded of the critical importance of promptly sharing information and presented with opportunities to strengthen global health security.
Additional discussion will take place regarding new advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Experts will provide examples of how they are utilizing these technologies to model and predict disease outbreaks, and participants will also learn about the different Digital Platforms they use for real-time data exchange. The IDWC 2026 values the role that technology can provide for epidemiology. Challenges in data standardization will be discussed. Additionally, discussions will address ethical and privacy concerns related to data use, as these issues are paramount to responsible data use. Enhancing analytical capabilities will be the focus of this session.
Discussion will also take place regarding how governments use the policy implications of epidemiological data to implement interventions. The IDWC 2026 promotes transparency in the global public health system. Participants will have the opportunity to identify various strategies to improve the surveillance infrastructure. Additionally, the session will end with an emphasis on the need for funding and international partners.