More than 2 years since cases were first reported, the COVID-19 pandemic remains an acute global emergency. Many governments face uncertainties about how to prioritize at a time when the pandemic appears to be in transition but when the risk of emergence of new variants and future surges remains real.
To assist national and global efforts to end the COVID-19 emergency worldwide, WHO updated the COVID-19 Global Preparedness, Readiness and Response plan in 2022 and outlined two strategic objectives. First, reduce the circulation of the virus by protecting individuals, especially vulnerable individuals at risk of severe disease or occupational exposure to the virus. Second, prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19 to reduce deaths, disease and long-term consequences. These combined strategies can save lives and livelihoods.
To provide actionable approaches to meeting these objectives, WHO has produced six short policy briefs that are based on previously published technical guidance. They outline essential actions that national and sub-national policy makers can implement for the following:
WHO Member States are in different situations with regard to COVID-19 due to a number of factors such as population-level immunity, public trust and access to vaccines and therapeutics. These policy briefs will provide the basis for an agile response as countries continue to confront the pandemic while consolidating the foundation for a stronger public health infrastructure and strengthening the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience.
Policy briefs
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Key points • Establishing and sustaining clear pathways to clinical care is a critical element of the response to COVID-19.• Integrate COVID-19…
Key points • It remains critical for national programmes to continue to offer testing for COVID-19 in line with three main objectives: reduce…
Key points Health care facilities remain a high-risk SARS-CoV-2 transmission setting because they are locations where patients at risk of severe COVID-19…
Key points The World Health Organization’s most recent Global Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy (1) sets for the essential actions Member States…
Key points Train health workers, who are often the most trusted source of health information, to better identify and address health misinformation. Tailor…
Key points Credible, trusted, relevant, timely, accessible and actionable heath information is crucial for the acceptance and adoption of life-saving…