The Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) supports the public health workforce, conducts research, strengthens public health programs, promotes knowledge exchange, and helps guide public health policy to prevent and control disease throughout the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The Eighth EMPHNET Regional Conference took place in Amman, Jordan, from September 15-18, 2024, and focused on the theme of “Advancing Public Health Preparedness and Response: Challenges, Opportunities, and Ways Forward.” This four-day event served as a vital platform for assessing public health challenges and identifying strategic solutions for the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The conference brought together public health professionals, policymakers, and researchers to discuss pressing issues, particularly as the region continues to face the effects of pandemics, manmade crises, and natural disasters.
The conference sessions built on lessons learned from the COVID-19 response, featuring a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, facilitators, and panelists who shared insights, experiences, and strategies. Through these discussions, participants worked to translate scientific evidence into practical action, enhancing preparedness and response efforts. Beyond knowledge-sharing, the conference also provided a platform to highlight the accomplishments of public health professionals from the region. By its conclusion, the event had not only strengthened regional collaboration but also reinforced a shared commitment to implementing effective public health strategies for future challenges. This edition of the conference was particularly notable for its scale and impact, bringing together over 300 public health professionals—including partners, collaborators, officials, and subject-matter experts—from more than 25 countries.
This Research Topic collects papers that developed out of the EMPHNET 2024 conference, and which address issues of pressing importance to both regional and global health priorities, including:
- One Health initiatives
- Preparedness and response for circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV)
- Respiratory disease surveillance
- Meningitis surveillance
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- Rapid response programs
- Pandemic preparedness
Please note that this Research Topic is not open to outside submissions.
RAK Medical & Health Sciences University in the United Arab Emirates is providing support for several of the papers submitted to this collection.
Keywords: Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), One Health, Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), Disease surveillance, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Respiratory disease, Meningitis, Pandemic preparedness
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
