Building coalitions for strengthening public health and social measures during health emergencies

Book excerpt: In June 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened national public health stakeholders from 21 countries and WHO staff to establish a community of practice among public health stakeholders, with a specific focus on strengthening PHSM research and policies. This report provides an account of the discussions, outcomes and advice put forth during the meeting, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing PHSM research, decision-making and global monitoring of policies. At the meeting, national public health stakeholders shared case examples describing their experiences with PHSM implementation during health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Through case studies presented by representatives from each country, as well as the discussions that followed, several key factors were identified that facilitated successful PHSM responses, namely, the existence of legal mechanisms for emergency responses, multisectoral collaboration, multisectoral governance, surveillance and contact tracing, national research initiatives, international recommendations and evidence in the absence of robust local data and research, community engagement, and social protection measures to mitigate the unintended negative consequences of PHSM. In addition, participants discussed challenges they had experienced relating to PHSM implementation and reflected on the additional resources and capacities that could have supported more effective PHSM. The report details these experiences, discussions as well as a call to action for PHSM participants put forth, encouraging all countries to commit to taking actions to strengthen PHSM as an essential countermeasure for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response.