Translating the Belgian national Burden of Disease Data into Public Knowledge and Policy Action

Abstract Effective dissemination and translation of Burden of Disease (BoD) findings are critical to ensure they inform decision-making and public understanding. In Belgium, the national Burden of Disease study (BeBOD) prioritizes comprehensive, transparent communication and policy integration through three strategic pillars: accessible public dissemination, interactive analytical tools, and incorporation into national health objectives. First, BeBOD results have been integrated into the public website HealthyBelgium.be, transforming complex epidemiological data into accessible content for the general population. This includes simplified narratives, interactive visualizations, and infographics designed for public engagement and understanding. Secondly, advanced interactive dashboards were developed using R Shiny, enabling stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers to perform tailored, in-depth analyses of the Belgian BoD data, explore patterns over time, and assess health inequalities across population groups and regions. Lastly, BeBOD data were systematically integrated into the ongoing process of defining and refining Belgium's national health objectives. This ensures epidemiological insights directly inform health policy development, prioritization, and resource allocation, fostering evidence-based policy decisions. Healthybelgium.be significantly increased public accessibility and engagement with BoD findings, while the interactive dashboards facilitated detailed analyses, increasing stakeholder capacity for evidence-informed decisions. Integration of BeBOD insights into national health objectives has led to targeted health policies addressing priority areas such as chronic diseases, mental health, and health inequalities. By strategically combining public-friendly dissemination, interactive analytical capabilities, and direct policy integration, Belgium demonstrates a robust, multipronged approach to translating BoD research into tangible public health improvements.