As infectious diseases evolve, so must health care professionals’ response. <\/p>\n
Infection Control Today\u00ae provides coverage of several conferences every year, and this is one that we especially look forward to. <\/p>\n
The 20th Annual Health Watch USA Conference, themed Combating Infectious Disease Challenges, brings together an elite global roster of experts to address the urgent threats posed by SARS-CoV-2, measles, H5N1, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Infection prevention and control professionals, clinicians, public health leaders, and health care workers are invited to attend this vital virtual event that bridges science, strategy, and actionable solutions.<\/p>\n
This free, accredited continuing education event will be held online and is designed to empower attendees with practical tools and current science to face today\u2019s most pressing infectious disease challenges.<\/p>\n
Why Attend?<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s conference will go beyond headline risks. You\u2019ll explore airborne pathogen strategies, vaccine misinformation countermeasures, and the emerging promise of bacteriophages in treating drug-resistant infections. The agenda focuses on not just what threats exist, but also how to implement change in real-world settings.<\/p>\n
Attendees will leave equipped to:<\/p>\n
Apply global, evidence-based principles to improve infection-related public health outcomesImplement best practices for surveillance, treatment, and prevention during and after outbreaksImprove indoor air safety and communicate health risks effectivelyIdentify high-impact strategies for protecting vulnerable populations in health care settingsHear From Global Experts<\/p>\n
The speaker lineup reads like a \u201cwho\u2019s who\u201d of pandemic response:<\/p>\n
Deborah Birx, MD, former White House coronavirus coordinator, presents on bacteriophage therapies.<\/p>\n
William Schaffner, MD, (Vanderbilt University) covers risk communication and pandemic mitigation.<\/p>\n
Lidia Morawska, PhD, MSc, (Australia) offers a deep dive into airborne transmission control.<\/p>\n
Michael Baker, MBChB, (New Zealand) argues for \u201celimination\u201d as a viable pandemic strategy.<\/p>\n
Cynda Crawford, MS, PhD, DVM, (University of Florida) shares insights on bird flu\u2019s risks to animals and humans.<\/p>\n
Lisa Baum, MA, CSP, CSPHA, (New York) will discuss the current state of infection control in the US.<\/p>\n
Richard Webby, PhD, St. Jude Research Hospital, Director, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds, will present on risks and prevention of a bird flu pandemic.<\/p>\n
Wilmore Webley, PhD, (University of Massachusetts, Amherst) will discuss measles, 50 years after the first vaccine.<\/p>\n
Matthias Maiwald, MD, (Singapore), will present on Singapore\u2019s unusual reemergence of respiratory pathogens after lifting COVID-19 restrictions.<\/p>\n
Free Continuing Education<\/p>\n
Health care professionals can earn up to “4.75 hrs ANCC CE (nursing)”, 4 hours AMA Cat I, and credits across multiple disciplines, including:<\/p>\n
Nursing Home AdministrationEMSPhysical TherapyDentistryOccupational Therapy (pending)Community Health Work (pending)<\/p>\n
Educational credits are provided at no cost thanks to support from Health Watch USA and its accreditation partners: the Connecticut Nurses Association and Southern Kentucky AHEC.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Miss This<\/p>\n
Whether you work in infection prevention, direct care, laboratory science, or public health administration, this conference will sharpen your knowledge and prepare you to take meaningful action against emerging threats.<\/p>\n