European politicians need epidemiologists

Area of Science:

• Public Health Policy
• Epidemiology
• Disease Prevention

Background:

• Recent European policy discussions focus on public health.
• There is a recognized interest in communicable diseases within these discussions.
• The scope of public health policy needs expansion into non-communicable disease areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current public health policy discussions in Europe.
• To emphasize the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases.
• To highlight the requirement for skilled epidemiologists.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent policy discussions.
• Analysis of trends in public health focus areas.
• Identification of workforce needs in epidemiology.

Main Results:

• Public health policy in Europe is increasingly discussing disease control.
• A shift in focus is needed from communicable to non-communicable diseases.
• The current epidemiological workforce requires enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Effective public health policy requires a broader disease focus, including non-communicable conditions.
• There is a critical need for ongoing training and development of epidemiologists.
• Adapting the epidemiological workforce is essential for future public health.