Epi Days 2026: Strengthening Collaboration and Surveillance

Behind every timely detection of outbreak, mortality trends, and operational decisions, there are epidemiology and data teams analysing and interpreting information for action. Their work is sometimes invisible to patients and communities, yet it is essential to the humanitarian response. This year’s Epi Days served as a reminder of that role and of the importance of continuously investing in the people and tools that make it possible. 

Throughout the event, epidemiologists and data specialists came together to share experiences from the field and challenge practices. Discussions moved from technical questions to broader reflections: how do we reinforce the capacities of existing field epidemiologists and data teams while providing them pathways for career development? How do we enhance collaboration between epidemiology and data teams? How do we ensure surveillance systems remain useful, practical, and adapted to operational realities?  

The conversations highlighted how field epidemiology today is deeply connected to decision-making, community engagement and operational research. Whether discussing hospital-acquired infections, community-based surveillance, surveys, participants repeatedly returned to the idea that systematic data collections and analysis contribute to and strengthen humanitarian response. 

One of the most valuable aspects of Epi Days was the opportunity to bring together people working in different roles and contexts but facing many of the same challenges. The exchanges between the epidemiology advisors and routine monitoring data team members illustrated how complementary these profiles have become. In fast-paced operational environments, teams can rarely step back and think strategically about training or guidance. Epi Days created that space, allowing participants not only to work on outputs such as revised job descriptions, and technical guidance, but also to share experiences.