Multi-sectorial research is paramount for preventing and controlling emerging infectious diseases.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• One Health

Background:

• Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) have profound social, economic, and political impacts extending beyond their origin.
• EIDs highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant health, necessitating integrated management strategies.
• Human activities, including environmental interaction and global trade, significantly influence EID emergence and spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the critical need for adaptable, multisectorial approaches in managing emerging infectious diseases.
• To explore the dual role of humans in both facilitating and controlling EIDs.
• To highlight the importance of early detection and flexible, expertise-driven decision-making in EID containment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the determinants and dynamics of EID emergence and spread.
• Evaluation of the role of human-environment interfaces and international trade.
• Assessment of the importance of multidisciplinary skills and digital technologies in early detection and response.

Main Results:

• EID management requires continuous adaptation of expertise to evolving disease characteristics (virulence, transmission).
• Flexibility, transparency, and citizen feedback are essential for effective, acceptable political decision-making.
• Early signal management, integrating multidisciplinary skills and digital technologies, is key for EID containment.

Conclusions:

• Combating current and future EIDs demands a multisectorial approach, fostering collegiality and continuous adaptation of expertise.
• Experts play a vital role at the nexus of operational actors and decision-makers, facilitating real-time feedback.
• Proactive, adaptive, and collaborative strategies are paramount for global EID preparedness and response.