Scientific Sessions

Global health encompasses the collective efforts to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and address health challenges that transcend national boundaries. Among these challenges, infectious diseases remain one of the most pressing concerns, posing significant threats to populations worldwide. Factors such as globalization, increased travel, urbanization, and climate change have accelerated the spread of pathogens, making disease control a shared international responsibility. Infectious diseases—ranging from long-standing threats like tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS to emerging infections such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika virus—continue to cause morbidity, mortality, and economic disruption. Addressing these diseases requires robust health systems, effective surveillance networks, universal vaccination programs, and equitable access to diagnostics and treatments. Collaboration among governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers is vital to develop prevention strategies, strengthen outbreak response, and reduce the burden of disease on vulnerable communities.

The intersection of global health and infectious diseases also highlights the importance of research, innovation, and policy-making. Technological advancements in genomics, rapid diagnostics, and vaccine development have revolutionized the way outbreaks are detected and controlled, yet disparities in access remain a major challenge. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) further complicates the fight against infectious diseases, threatening to reverse decades of medical progress. To safeguard future generations, global health strategies must integrate a One Health approach—recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—to prevent zoonotic spillovers and control transmission. Education, community engagement, and health literacy also play a pivotal role in fostering behavioral changes that limit disease spread. Ultimately, combating infectious diseases on a global scale demands sustained political commitment, cross-border cooperation, and investment in both prevention and preparedness. Only through a unified, well-coordinated effort can the world reduce the threat of infectious diseases and promote healthier, more resilient societies.