Symposia

UK Biobank: democratising health data for epidemiological research globally

Time: 12h00 - 13h00 | Venue: Ballroom West

This symposium highlighted the UK Biobank, a prospective cohort study of 500,000 participants, emphasising its extensive genomic, lifestyle, and environmental data alongside long-term health outcome tracking. The session showcased the broad accessibility of this global resource, which supports research into disease determinants, risk prediction, and early detection. Presentations featured recent enhancements, case studies, and scientific discoveries enabled by the UK Biobank, as well as the cloud-based UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform (UKBRAP) that facilitates collaboration across disciplines. The session also introduced initiatives like the UKBRAP credits program, which provides funding to early-career and low- to middle-income country researchers to support their research projects.

Trends and transitions in non-communicable disease risk factors: data, analytics and implications

Time: 12h00 - 13h00 | Venue: Meeting Block 1.41-1.44

This session explored global and regional patterns in physiological risk factors—such as obesity, high blood pressure, and non-optimal lipid levels—that contribute to the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. By analysing population-based data, the session uncovered both regional similarities and differences in these risk factors and how they have evolved over recent decades. Presentations focused on global trends, followed by regional insights, which culminated in a panel discussion to identify key lessons for prevention strategies and health system interventions across different regions.

Understanding the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation [GRADE] approach to evidence synthesis and guideline development

Time: 12h00 - 13h00 | Venue: Meeting Block 1.61-1.64

This introductory lecture was aimed at clinicians and epidemiologists who wanted to expand their understanding of guidelines development and of GRADE specifically. By the end of the session, participants were able to:

• Gain up-to-date knowledge of the GRADE approach and its software tool, GRADEPro
• Summarise and interpret the results of a GRADE Evidence Profile
• Carry out rating evidence using the GRADE Evidence Profile
• Apply GRADE-recommended language for reporting the results of a Evidence Profile
• Summarise how the GRADE Evidence Profile informs the GRADE Evidence-to-decision-making framework for guidelines development

How Field Epidemiology Training Programmes are integrating noncommunicable diseases

Time: 16h30 - 18h30 | Venue: Ballroom West

This session addressed the global health threat posed by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which cause over 43 million deaths annually and place a significant burden on health systems and economies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The session highlighted the importance of equipping Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) trainees with NCD epidemiology and surveillance skills to generate critical evidence and advocate for stronger responses. Presentations showcased outcomes from specialised NCD-focused FETP training programs in China, Ethiopia, India, and Thailand, funded by the CDC Foundation and partners. Attendees learnt about successful practices, challenges, and strategies for integrating NCD skills into FETPs, with a focus on capacity building and health equity. Dr Carl Reddy facilitated a discussion on enhancing NCD training in FETPs to improve global health outcomes.

The ENABLE Lassa research programme: addressing key epidemiology gaps for Lassa fever vaccine development

Time: 16h30 - 18h30 | Venue: Meeting Block 2.44-2.46

The session focused on the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Enable Lassa Research Programme, which was initiated to address knowledge gaps in Lassa fever (LF) incidence and inform late-stage Lassa virus vaccine trials. The programme's Enable 1.0 phase, conducted across five West African countries, successfully recruited and monitored over 23,000 participants, providing crucial data for future vaccine trials. The symposium presented the achievements and challenges of the Enable 1.0 study, discussed the lessons learned, and outlined the objectives of the ongoing Enable 1.5 extension. Participants gained insights into the programme's role in building regional research collaborations, strengthening research capacities, and guiding vaccine development efforts.

Rising Pressure: Innovations in childhood hypertension and blood pressure nomograms for Africa

Time: 18h30 - 20h30 | Venue: Ballroom East

This symposium highlighted the urgent need to develop Africa-specific blood pressure nomograms for children. The Childhood Hypertension Consortium of South Africa (CHCSA), a non-profit organisation, was established to address the lack of such tailored tools for African children and adolescents. The symposium provided updates on current projects, showcased new collaborations, and outlined plans to expand this initiative to other sub-Saharan African countries, particularly rural areas. Experts in paediatrics lead a roundtable discussion on the importance of tailored healthcare, early detection, and accurate diagnosis in addressing childhood hypertension. Additionally, the session explored the role of African-specific nomograms in informing research, guiding policy, and addressing noncommunicable diseases. In summary, this initiative represents a crucial step toward improving child health outcomes, advancing research, and combating noncommunicable diseases across Africa.

Climate change adaptation in Africa's health sector: lessons and best practices

Time: 18h30 - 20h30 | Venue: Ballroom West

The session organised by Mozambique's "Instituto Nacional de Saúde" focused on addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly on the health sector. Key outcomes included sharing best practices for preparation, response, and recovery from extreme climate events. The session disseminated global and national evidence on climate-induced disasters, highlighting Mozambique's African countries' vulnerabilities, such as increased frequency and intensity of cyclones and the resulting health challenges like cholera outbreaks and others. The discussion emphasised building resilience in the health sector through innovations and community engagement, promoting adaptation strategies. The session also sought to foster collaboration among stakeholders and provide policy recommendations to enhance climate resilience in Mozambique and similar vulnerable regions. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on public health and essential services.

Oncology care through 'Food is Medicine' interventions

Time: 18h30 - 20h30 | Venue: Meeting Block 1.41-1.44

This symposium, co-organised by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), explored the critical role of nutrition in the cancer continuum, highlighting its impact on global morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The session presented the latest evidence on diet and nutrition in cancer prognosis, addressed common research biases, and examined tools for assessing nutrition in cancer patients and survivors, such as food insecurity and malnutrition risk. With a focus on the growing integration of food and nutrition into healthcare, the symposium discussed the design and effectiveness of “Food is Medicine” (FIM) interventions in improving cancer outcomes. Additionally, it explored opportunities to incorporate nutrition into oncology care and review policy frameworks aimed at reducing the global cancer burden through nutrition strategies. This session targeted a broad audience including epidemiologists, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocates interested in nutrition and FIM strategies to enhance cancer care.

Population-based epidemiology in the era of data science and routine health data

Time: 18h30 - 20h30 | Venue: Meeting Block 1.61-1.64

As digitised health, social and other linkable data are increasingly available in all settings, so too are population-representative observational epidemiological studies increasingly reliant on routine clinical and administrative data. This session explored the opportunities and challenges conducting population-wide analyses based on routine data, in different settings. A key focus of the symposium was on lower and middle income countries where there are more likely to be gaps in digitisation, but few alternatives to addressing critical clinical and social policy questions. Speakers who have been at the forefront of such analyses in Brazil and South Africa contrasted their experiences and perspectives with colleagues from the United Kingdom.

Birth defect surveillance in Africa

Time: 18h30 - 20h30 | Venue: Meeting Block 2.41-2.43

Congenital Disorders (or Birth Defects) are a significant cause of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Africa.  Surviving children are affected by disability with limited access to rehabilitation services and long term care. During this session we provided an overview of opportunities and challenges for birth defect surveillance in Africa. To address the research and care gaps for children affected by congenital disorders in the region, the sub-Saharan Congenital Anomaly Network (sSCAN) was developed. We heard from researchers from the sSCAN network about how such surveillance is conducted in settings with limited access to appropriate diagnostic technologies and expertise. Researchers in this meeting demonstrated how patient advocacy networks, pharmacovigilance-oriented pregnancy cohorts and hospital-based surveillance projects can be leveraged to help us understand the burden and potential causes of congenital anomalies in the region.

Re-imagining global health training: towards a more equitable inclusive and just approach to global health exchange

Time: 18h30 - 20h30 | Venue: Meeting Block 2.44-2.46

This symposium brought together international leaders presenting ways to decolonise global health training, focusing on the democratisation of international academic exchanges which not only enhanced the global health exchange, but critically engaged in meaningful dialogue and tangible outcomes for the host institution.