Congress Themes

Theme 1: Epidemiologic methods for a changing world

Innovation, tools, and real-world investigation driving the future of epidemiology.

This theme integrates the analytical, technological, diagnostic, and field-based foundations of modern epidemiology. It showcases how modelling, artificial intelligence, digital tools, and diagnostic innovation intersect with practical epidemiologic investigation in real-world settings – from farms and communities to laboratories and surveillance systems. It considers also environmental, climatic and ecological drivers of disease dynamics and surveillance.

Sub theme 1.1: Analytical, modelling and quantitative methods

• Multilevel, spatial, temporal, and Bayesian models
• Vector-borne disease dynamics including environmental, ecological and climate driven considerations
• Simulation modelling and scenario analysis
• AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics
• Quantitative risk and epidemiologic analysis
• Model validation in real-world contexts
• Genomic and molecular epidemiology

Sub theme 1.2: Digital and connected epidemiology

• Digital and participatory surveillance platforms
• Integration of ecological and climatic data into epidemiologic analysis and surveillance
• Mobile and cloud-based data capture in the field
• Digital tools for outbreak detection and response
• Open and transparent data, data governance, and interoperability

Sub theme 1.3: Investigative, diagnostic and laboratory innovation

• Diagnostic test development, validation, and interpretation
• Field-deployable diagnostics and point-of-care tools
• Sampling strategies, test performance, and diagnostic design
• Integrating lab diagnostics with digital and surveillance systems
• Field trials, operational research, and pilot implementations
• Integrating field observations with modelling and diagnostic data
• Barriers, enablers, and innovations in applied field epidemiology

Theme 2: Frontline and participatory epidemiology – Communities driving change

Real epidemiology, real impact

This theme unites participatory approaches and frontline experiences to showcase the practical side of epidemiology — where community insight, local innovation, and scientific methods meet. It reflects Africa’s leadership in field-based, inclusive, and solution-oriented epidemiology that turns research into resilience.

• Participatory disease surveillance and mapping
• Field-based investigations and outbreak response
• Co-creation of knowledge with communities and local actors considering indigenous and traditional input
• Innovation from the field: locally developed tools and methods
• Building trust and engagement for sustained impact
• Lessons learned from real-world implementation of epidemiology
• Resilience of smallholder/community systems

Theme 3: One health, One planet, Diverse communities

Interconnected systems, shared responsibility.

This theme reinforces the integration of animal, human, and environmental health within the socio-ecological context. It highlights the interdependencies between ecosystems, communities, pathogens, and practices — with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a key cross-cutting example of how shared actions, pressures, and behaviors influence global health.

• Zoonotic disease surveillance
• Wildlife–livestock–human interfaces
• Ecosystem health and biodiversity
• Cross-sectoral collaboration
• AMR surveillance and stewardship in animals, humans, and the environment
• Agricultural and food-system drivers of AMR

Theme 4: Economics, welfare, and sustainable development

From evidence to impact.

Economic and welfare outcomes play a large role in sustainable animal health systems. This theme explores how evidence-based economic analysis, policy design, and welfare considerations shape resilient, productive, and ethical animal health systems that support trade, livelihoods, and community well-being.

• Economic evaluation of animal health and welfare interventions
• Cost–benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses of control programmes
• Integrating welfare metrics into productivity and economic impact assessments
• Trade and market access for animals and animal products considering economic and welfare standards
• Valuing animal welfare improvements within One Health and sustainable-development frameworks
• Socio-economic implications of welfare policies in low- and middle-income contexts

Theme 5: Health policy, capacity building, and Science-to-Policy translation

Developing through diversity of minds.

Sustainable animal and public-health systems depend on the capacity of people and institutions to generate, interpret, and apply scientific evidence for policy and practice. This theme explores how epidemiologic data are translated into policy action; how education and partnerships nurture leadership; and how collaboration across sectors ensures that science informs decision-making at every level.

• Epidemiology training and curriculum innovation across educational levels
• Strengthening public-private and intersectoral partnerships for capacity development
• Translating science into policy: communication, evidence synthesis, and advocacy
• Bridging research and implementation in animal and public-health governance
• Building institutional frameworks that enable evidence-based decision-making
• Leadership, mentorship, and gender equity in policy and scientific spheres
• Developing regional networks for continuous professional development and policy engagement