The Erice Charter on public health management of disasters. Conclusions of the 64th Course of the International School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine “G. D’Alessandro”

The growing frequency and severity of disasters in today’s epidemiological landscape place considerable strain on public health systems, highlighting the need to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response capacities at a structural level. Evidence demonstrates that effective emergency management relies not only on technical expertise but also on coordinated governance, interdisciplinary integration, and strong institutional frameworks. Disasters exacerbate social inequalities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, and underline the importance of inclusive and equitable health strategies. This paper introduces the framework of the Erice Charter 2025, which aims to enhance national capacities to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and monitor public health emergencies. Particular emphasis is placed on mass gathering risk assessment, integrated planning, and the management of population flows, including individuals with special needs. The Charter promotes a systemic approach grounded in interinstitutional collaboration, the One Health perspective, and the development of shared technical language and interoperable monitoring systems. Key priorities include strengthening professional training, improving emergency communication, and establishing standardized protocols based on comparable indicators. The creation of a permanent national observatory is proposed to address current gaps in long-term health impact assessment, enabling continuous monitoring and evidence-based policy development. Furthermore, the document underscores the importance of data transparency, coordinated information systems, and the active involvement of scientific societies and the third sector. Human resources management, operational planning, and simulation exercises are identified as essential components to ensure effective and timely responses. Prevention Departments and public health professionals are recognized as central actors in coordinating interventions and translating scientific evidence into practice. In conclusion, the Erice Charter 2025 advocates for a paradigm shift in public health, where prevention and preparedness become structural pillars. By fostering resilience, integration, and continuous improvement, the proposed framework aims to strengthen health systems’ capacity to mitigate disaster impacts and protect population health in both the short and long term.