Future challenges for infectious disease prevention and control

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) identifies several future challenges in infectious disease prevention and control. Key drivers include climate change, urbanization, antimicrobial resistance, and social inequalities. To address these, the ECDC launched the Foresight Programme, which explores six scenarios envisioning Europe's public health landscape by 2040. These scenarios consider factors like fragmented societies, privatized healthcare, and increased urbanization. Each presents unique challenges, such as weakened surveillance systems and unequal healthcare access. The ECDC emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight to anticipate and mitigate these risks. Focus areas for action include integrating One Health approaches, enhancing data systems, and strengthening governance structures. By proactively addressing these challenges, the ECDC aims to bolster Europe's resilience against future infectious disease threats.