Mosquito-Borne Diseases (MBD) are a global problem that affects people at different environments and raises significant concern, especially if we think the rising problem of climate change. More than 80% of the global population lives in areas at risk of at least one major MBD, and Europe is experiencing an increasing number of human cases of MBD in the last two decades, such as West Nile Virus, Malaria, Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.
The emergence of global trends, such as the changing climatic and ecological conditions, global travel and trade, as well as human behavior, are globally influencing the epidemiology of infectious diseases. They are driving the re-emergence of these diseases, posing challenges to the national public health authorities. All over the world, people are searching for ways to innovate on how the continuous threats of mosquito-borne diseases are confronted, treated but most of all foreseen.
In this session, we will explore how Early Warning and Decision Support Systems that harness the power of Earth Observation could be the answer to that rising problem. The EuroGEO Action Group for Epidemics proves the importance of big EO data through the development of EYWA, an EarlY WArning System for Mosquito-Borne Diseases. The system is based on a plethora of satellite and in-situ Earth Observation data and state-of-the-art technological tools, delivering scientific excellence. Moreover, Early Warning Systems for MBD, like EYWA, could play a pivotal role with a view to support climate change adaptation and sustainability, by addressing the relevant priorities of the GEO Societal Benefit Areas, the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition, this session aspires to showcase how big EO data that enable continuous global coverage could enhance decision making and support preparedness for different MBD at different countries and scales. This session invites international key speakers from Europe (JRC and BNITM), USA (University of Maryland) and India (VCRC) to share their knowledge and engage in a discussion with the audience about how Earth Observation can upend our understanding in the field of climate change and epidemics. Also, the session will showcase how such EO-based systems could become a key lever for Public Health authorities and decision makers, and raise citizens’ awareness on the expected risk of MBD.
| Session Title | “Earth Observation for climate change and mosquito-borne diseases” | Parallel Session |
| Date: | 23/06/2021 |
| Time: | 17.00-18.00 CEST |
| Facilitator: | NOA |
| Registration link: | https://earthobservations.org/reg_2021_wps.php |
| Speakers and Moderator | |
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Moderator: Dr. Haris Kontoes, National Observatory of Athens – BEYOND Centre of Excellence | Coordinator of the EuroGEO Action Group for Epidemics & Project Coordinator of EYWA (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) Speakers:
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| GEO Work Programme Activities Involved | |
EYWA (EarlY WArning System for Mosquito-Borne Diseases) was developed under the flag of EuroGEO Action Group “EO4EViDence”. It is led by the National Observatory of Athens / BEYOND Centre of Earth Observation Research and Satellite Remote Sensing in collaboration with 14 more interdisciplinary European organisations from Italy, France, Germany and Serbia, delivering scientific excellence. More than 40 international organisations are following this EuroGEO activity as potential benefited users and co-designers.
In the framework of the adaptation to climate change pillar of GEO-CRADLE.
Pioneering H2020 project that strengthens the benefits for Europe of GEO-establishing "EuroGEO" |
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| Session Contacts | |
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