The global burden of foodborne diseases: taking stock and charting the way forward
WHO Consultation to Develop a Strategy to Estimate the Global Burden of Foodborne Diseases, Geneva, 25-27 September 2006
Overview
Foodborne diseases (FBD) encompass a wide spectrum of illnesses and are a growing public health problem worldwide. Reliable epidemiological estimates on the burden of these diseases are important in order to assess the impact of food safety measures and advise policy-makers on the cost-effective use of resources. Although several international initiatives are underway, no precise and consistent global information exists to date.
WHO's Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses and Foodborne Diseases (FOS) therefore launched an initiative to estimate the global burden of foodborne diseases from all major causes, including chemicals and zoonoses, at an international consultation. This was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 25 to 27 September 2006 and was attended by over 50 experts from around the world. The objectives of the meeting were:
- to launch an appeal for wider collaboration with a detailed plan of action and time frame;
- to develop a strategic framework for burden of disease estimation that involves all relevant partners; and
- to propose elements of a standard protocol for conducting burden of illness studies in countries to obtain estimates.