The Infectious Disease Modelling Conference 2024, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute (HKJCGHI) and the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Thailand, was held from 6th-8th November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.  

Through providing a cohesive platform to share the latest data, ideas, and methods on infectious disease modelling, the 3-day conference is able to deliver productive health policymaking.  In this respect, the conference has received a very good response from the participants.

Majority of participants opine that the conference has featured a series of high-quality talks and panel discussions, from technical modelling talks on different infectious diseases, to how those outputs could be communicated to stakeholders and policymakers.  They respond that the topics addressed in the conference are highly relevant to their professional needs and academic interests.  Through attending the conference, they have gained a deeper understanding of the infectious disease dynamics and witnessed real-life applications of novel and cutting-edge researches.  Such exposure has provided them with evidence-based strategies and practical frameworks to predict and manage disease outbreaks more precisely, leading to improved response to public health issues when collaborating with governments and stakeholders in public health management.

The conference was well-attended by over 250 professionals, including academics, researchers, health professionals, policymakers, and funders from various sectors worldwide.    As mentioned in the participants’ feedback, the conference has provided the opportunity to expand their network and benefit from the invaluable insights of stakeholders and funders present at the event.  Such is facilitated by the conference’s well-organized run-down allowing ample time for exchange and discussion.  The conference has also fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange on public health between participants from different countries.  What is more, it has furnished a comfortable zone for Early Career Researchers to engage with more experienced professionals, ask questions, and get involved in meaningful discussions.

The Infectious Disease Modelling Conference 2024 is a strong start for future conferences to improve global public health through a collective effort worldwide.  With much positive feedback from participants, the event is definitely a huge success in knowledge expansion and networking on areas of public health.

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Conference website: https://idmconference.net/