African epidemiologists and public health experts will gather in Accra from October 13 to 15, 2026, to examine how digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and laboratory innovations can strengthen disease surveillance and improve outbreak detection across the continent.

The discussions will form part of the 7th African Epidemiological Association (AfEA) and 1st Ghana Epidemiological Society (GhES) Conference, scheduled to take place at the Labadi Beach Hotel.

The conference is expected to attract about 400 epidemiologists, researchers, public health practitioners, policymakers, development partners and industry stakeholders from more than 25 countries.

With 270 research abstracts on the programme, the meeting will provide a platform for participants to share evidence and explore technology-driven approaches to addressing Africa’s public health challenges.

A major focus will be the use of digital surveillance systems and real-time data to detect disease outbreaks early and strengthen public health responses. Discussions will also examine molecular epidemiology, laboratory innovations and the application of emerging technologies to disease control.

Artificial intelligence and other technological advances are expected to feature in sessions on pandemic preparedness, particularly how innovation can improve the speed and effectiveness of disease detection and response.

The scientific programme will cover five thematic areas: digital surveillance and real-time data systems; molecular epidemiology and laboratory innovations; community-centred epidemiology and environmental health; translating research into policy and practice; and health systems resilience, preparedness and public health intelligence.

Presentations, plenary sessions and panel discussions will feature experts from institutions including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ghana Health Service, Ghana’s Ministry of Health, the West African Health Organization (WAHO), the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and the Pandemic Fund, alongside academic and research institutions from across Africa and beyond.

Beyond technology, the conference will examine how research evidence can inform public health policy and practice, strengthen preparedness and improve coordination among institutions responsible for disease surveillance and response.

The event will also provide opportunities for early-career researchers and young scientists to present their findings and engage with established professionals. An informal session in French will offer young, predominantly francophone epidemiologists a platform to share their work.

The joint conference marks the seventh continental gathering of AfEA and the inaugural conference of GhES, bringing together continental and national efforts to strengthen epidemiological research and practice.

Conference proceedings will be published through the Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology for Public Health (JIEPH), with a team of guest editors overseeing the process.

The conference is expected to contribute to discussions on how African countries can harness technological innovation and research to strengthen disease surveillance, improve outbreak preparedness and enhance public health responses.