Urban Epidemiology for Emergent Environmental Threats

BACKGROUND 

The COVID-19 experience has shown that cities and other urban areas can be very vulnerable to pandemics due to high population density, commerce, and connectivity. On May 27, 2022, the 75th World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on Strengthening Health Emergency Preparedness and Response in Cities and Urban Settings. Its adoption signals clear recognition of the critical role played by cities, being vulnerable to outbreaks and contributing to transmission of diseases but also having the capacity to deliver a strong response.

CONTEXT 

More than half of the world’s population live in urban settings and by 2050, the proportion of population is expected to increase to two thirds. As cities become more complex, local communities are often not adequately consulted in health emergencies preparedness planning and policy formulation. Vulnerable groups also need to be better engaged, informed and involved. Strength then lies in knowing how to effectively advance a multisectoral whole-of-society approach in handling these public health events. 

WORKSHOP FORMAT will involve a combination of lectures, case studies, and groupwork. Activities include interactive questions and answers, small group discussion of participant experiences, and presentations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

To understand the challenges of urban epidemiology, why urban settings are unique, and the important roles played in  

1) preparedness, prevention and control  

2) surveillance and risk assessment, and  

3) rapid field response to outbreaks, including engaging stakeholders such as healthcare providers, national security organizations, and local community leaders.

FACILITATORS:

1. Assoc Prof Steven Ooi is a senior consultant at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore. He is also national FETP Director and international TEPHINET Advisory Board Member.

2. Dr Priscilla Gao Qi is a senior epidemiologist at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore. She is an FETP Trainer to Singapore Food Agency and National Parks Board.

3. Dr Alden Henderson is an epidemiologist at the US CDC Global Health Center. He supports Field Epidemiology Training Programs in the South East Asia and Western Pacific regions.

PARTICIPANTS:

General

Maximum number: 30