WHO pandemic & epidemic intelligence innovation forum - session 14
Climate change is accelerating the spread of infectious diseases worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for stronger, more inclusive data systems to inform public health responses. While traditional disease surveillance remains essential, there is growing recognition that citizen-generated data can offer vital insights into local disease dynamics, community vulnerabilities, and the lived experiences of those most affected.
In this session, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data returns to the WHO Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Innovation Forum to present key findings from a year-long global scoping study on citizen data and infectious disease. Conducted in Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam, the study explores how citizen data is currently being used and how it could be better leveraged for disease prevention and policymaking.
The session will showcase real-world examples, highlight persistent challenges, and foster dialogue between global and national stakeholders about how to strengthen inclusive health data systems.
What to expect
- New insights from six countries on the use and potential of citizen data in health systems
- Perspectives from practitioners involved in the research and its application
- Interactive dialogue on overcoming institutional and policy barriers
- Next steps for collaboration, investment, and research