From September 24 to 27, the World Congress of Epidemiology (WCE2024) took place in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together over 1,200 epidemiologists from across the globe. This triennial event, organized by the International Epidemiological Association (IEA), was held for the first time on African soil, highlighting the growing significance of the continent in epidemiological research. The central theme of the congress was “Epidemiology and Complexity: Challenges and Responses,” with discussions over the four days focused on global issues such as climate change, pandemics, mental health and the role of big data in public health.
A team of researchers from the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP) actively participated in the event with oral presentations, scientific posters, and session moderation, standing out among the more than 300 speakers.
In a session dedicated to Social Epidemiology, ISPUP researcher, Mariana Amorim, presented the paper titled “A dyadic analysis of violence exposure through parental disciplinary practices in a population-based cohort.” Her study focused on violence exposure through parental disciplinary practices, utilizing a dyadic analysis in a population cohort. Additionally, she moderated a session on Lifecourse Epidemiology.
Paula Meireles, ISPUP researcher, presented the study “HIV occurrence over a 12-year period in the Lisbon Cohort of MSM: prevalence at baseline and incidence rate.” The research analyzed the prevalence and incidence of HIV in the Lisbon cohort of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) over a 12-year period.
On the same day, ISPUP researcher, Ana Henriques, presented her study titled “Social isolation, loneliness, and multimorbidity in Portuguese older adults: findings from the EPIPorto cohort,” focusing on the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and multimorbidity in older Portuguese adults. Ana Henriques also moderated two key sessions: one on Aging Epidemiology, co-moderated by Henrique Barros, from ISPUP, and another on Neuroepidemiology.
ISPUP researchers Sílvia Fraga, Ana Isabel Ribeiro and Ana Barbosa also had an active participation in WCE through their scientific poster presentations.
In addition to the congress, the International Epidemiological Association (IEA) held some meetings with its members in Cape Town. In this context, Raquel Lucas, researcher and member of ISPUP’s Board of Directors, took office as the IEA representative for the European region, a position she had been elected to in March 2024 and which she will hold for the next three years, until 2027.
The first day of the congress was dedicated to training young epidemiologists, with a several workshops available in the program. These workshops focused on topics such as the integration of science and public health and the development of advanced curricula in epidemiology.
The event’s opening session, held in the late afternoon, featured the “Richard Doll Lecture” delivered by Deborah Lawlor, and the congress keynote speech by Jean Nachega, who highlighted the role of the African continent in epidemiological training and research. Nachega noted that African universities, such as the University of Cape Town, are increasingly attracting students from around the world, reversing the historical trend of African students seeking education abroad.
On the second day, the congress focused on globally significant topics such as obesity, migration, and the complexity of health problems. Naja Hulvej Rod from the University of Copenhagen offered an innovative perspective on addressing the complexity of epidemiological issues, while Charles Agyemang from the University of Amsterdam discussed the global obesity epidemic with a special focus on the impact of migration on African populations.
The third day of the congress brought critical discussions on epidemics and women’s health. David Serwadda from Makerere University revisited decades of research on HIV and COVID-19, recalling the lessons learned. Meanwhile, Karen Canfell from the University of Sydney discussed cervical cancer, exploring the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention on women’s health.
The final day of the congress was marked by discussions on climate change and its relationship with public health. Amrish Baidjoe from Doctors Without Borders pointed out the opportunities and challenges that humanitarian crises present for epidemiologists, emphasizing the need to develop rapid and effective responses in emergency scenarios.
The issue of racial and ethnic classifications in epidemiological research was also debated, with Zinzi Bailey from the University of Minnesota encouraging participants to critically reflect on the use of these concepts in research.
ISPUP’s strong participation in WCE2024 was also highlighted by its presence in the scientific exhibition, with a stand inviting all congress participants to learn about the work carried out by the institute, both in research and in education and advanced training.
As the congress concluded, it was clear that WCE2024 provided an opportunity to share knowledge, establish new scientific partnerships, and reinforce ISPUP’s commitment to epidemiological research to address the major and complex challenges of local and global health..
