Building a public health innovation ecosystem in the WHO European Region: meeting report, 11–12 March 2024, Copenhagen

ABSTRACT

This meeting report highlights the pressing health challenges faced by the WHO European Region, including noncommunicable diseases, tobacco use, vaccine-preventable diseases, vector-borne diseases, HIV, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance and an aging population. It emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to address these challenges, ranging from remote monitoring and artificial intelligence to novel vaccination strategies and advanced surveillance systems. The meeting aimed to create a collaborative platform for stakeholders to collectivelytackle these challenges using innovative approaches and emerging technologies. Discussions revolved around innovation policies, governance,public-private relations and the financing of public health innovation. Key takeaways stressed the importance of collaboration, patient involvement and leveraging resources to scale up innovation. The meeting report underscores the urgency for bold WHO guidance, streamlined regulatory processes and collaborative efforts with governments to effectively deploy innovative solutions for public health impact.