WHO is currently working to update the global estimates of the public health burden of foodborne diseases, following a new resolution in 2020 (WHA73.5). This work will estimate cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) loss from foodborne diseases at the global, regional and national level. The WHO technical advisory group, “Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG) for 2021–2025” is assisting WHO in its estimation process and has advised WHO to explore the economic impact of foodborne hazards.
World Bank and WHO global technical consultation on the economic burden of foodborne diseases
In response to this advice, WHO issued an open call for experts on Health Valuation to advise on valuation of foodborne diseases at the global, regional, and national level. In particular, advice will be sought on current economic health valuation practices and their use in low- and middle-income countries, and on the availability and representativeness of medical treatment cost data in all countries.
In addition, WHO has partnered with the World Bank to host a global technical consultation on the economic burden of foodborne diseases, to be held on 4 and 6 February 2025. The World Bank previously released economic estimates of foodborne diseases based on the 2015 WHO report, " WHO estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases: foodborne disease burden epidemiology reference group 2007-2015", in their publication titled "The Safe Food Imperative: Accelerating Progress in Low- and Middle-Income Countries".
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The deadline for public comments is 18 December 2024. Please send your comments to fbd-burden@who.int with the subject “Public comments on WB/WHO global technical consultation members".