The far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the critical need for evidence-informed, transparent and inclusive decision-making. Policy-makers have grappled with complex choices amidst uncertainty. They have constantly reassessed response measures while navigating their economic impl ... ications and unintended consequences on societal well-being. Effective communication of the basis for these decisions has also posed a challenge, requiring transparency and public trust. more

World Health Organization’s (WHO) presence in Sierra Leone throughout 2023 has been fulfilling. Out attention has been focused on advancing Universal Health Coverage and strengthening emergency preparedness and response. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health, our donor partners, and va ... rious stakeholders, WHO supported capacities for Health Systems strengthening and delivery of impactful interventions, particularly towards improving maternal and child health outcomes, as well as the overall well-being of the population. more

Public health emergencies, including pandemics, highlight the need for health systems and services that are prepared, resilient and ready to respond to health security threats. Endorsed by Member States in 2023, the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (‎APHSAF)‎ is designed to engage m ... ultisectoral actors in health security, and to reflect the complex nature of current and future public health emergencies. The Framework presents six interconnected, multisectoral domains of work that together form a comprehensive, multi-hazard health security system — emphasizing the One Health approach. The Framework also supports progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage while meeting the responsibilities and obligations of the International Health Regulations (‎2005)‎. more

The target audience of this document (and the associated online companion tool) includes WHO country offices in Member States of the African Region; Member States’ ministries of health and their public health emergency operation centres; relevant external assessment teams; and partners looking ... to identify preparedness gaps and support interventions that help address them. In the event of a suspected or confirmed VHF case, the document also serves to provide any intervening partner with a sense of what structures should be in place, in order to guide scale-up activities in line with regional and national plans. more

Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats in English, Spanish and French