In 2017, the WHO added “Disease X” to its Blueprint List of priority diseases. Disease X represents the possibility that the next big threat to public health will come from a completely unknown and unforeseen source. Addressing gaps in the fabric of the world’s global health system and infrastructure is critical to being ready for Disease X, Y or Z. Technology is already playing a critical role. Panelists will discuss new technologies including how traditional public health surveillance is now being supported by artificial intelligence, geospatial prediction and real time predictive modeling to identify new risks, and how blockchain is helping to secure, track and trace the drug and vaccine supply chain. Panelists will also discuss some of the remaining challenges and obstacles ahead.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.