5 reasons to take the Modeling of infectious diseases course

Epidemics have existed since the beginning of humanity. Massive interconnections throughout the world due to the speed and increase in travel, and the closer vicinity of humans and wild animals, due in particular to deforestation and climatic changes, have considerably increased the risk of rapid transmission of infectious agents and galloping pandemics. This entails both health risks and socio-economic consequences, the seriousness of which is well illustrated by COVID-19. Medical doctors, other health workers, epidemiologists, and decision-makers need to anticipate and take the most appropriate decisions to avoid health and/or economic disasters. In this context, mathematics, using new calculation models, are increasingly used to better identify the risks of contagion, the evolution of an outbreak and the appropriateness of the measures taken.

Here are 5 reasons to take this course:

Reason no. 1: This course provides an understanding of the basic mathematical concepts of infectious disease modeling such as compartmental models (SIR and more complex models), the calculation of the basic reproduction rate (R0) and its evolution (Rt).

Reason no. 2: It will help you to understand how demographic processes, seasonality and population movements can play a part in the transmission chain and be taken into account when assessing the reproduction rate.

Reason no. 3: You will see the results of the application of modeling to different types of infectious diseases either transmitted directly or by insects.

Reason no. 4: This course will enable you to appreciate the importance of modeling in assessing the effectiveness of preventive measures such as vaccination, quarantine and masking.

Reason no. 5: Finally, you will have the opportunity to realize that the inclusion of more and more factors in the equations should enable a more rational approach to current and future pandemics.

To register and find out more, click here.
Institut Pasteur

End of registration : September 5, 2024

This training is part of the Digital Diploma in Infectious Diseases of the Institut Pasteur (DNM2IP).