In most European countries with their highly developed healthcare systems and ageing populations, communicable diseases were of little concern for public health, authorities and researchers compared to their non-communicable counterparts. This changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, which had an impact on societies and health systems world-wide and demonstrated most vividly that health systems do not exist independently of each other. As this year’s general conference theme, ATHEA therefore aims to have a look beyond the borders of Europe and see what health economics can contribute to these countries. In order to gain a better understanding of the field, ATHEA will organise a thematic stream and invite experts as keynote speakers.