In recent weeks, many countries have been reporting an increase in “pandemic fatigue” – people are feeling demotivated about following recommended behaviours to protect themselves and others from the virus.
Finding effective ways to tackle this fatigue and reinvigorate public vigilance is a growing challenge as the crisis continues. Pandemic fatigue evolves gradually over time and is affected by the cultural, social, structural and legislative environment. High-level public health experts from over 30 countries and many partner organizations from the WHO European region connected remotely to search together the root causes of this phenomenon and share national experiences and plans.
At the request of European Member States, WHO/Europe developed a framework of policy recommendations to guide governments in the planning and implementation of national and subnational strategies to bolster public support for COVID-19 prevention measures.
It includes 4 key strategies:
Understand people: collect and use evidence for targeted, tailored and effective policies, interventions and communication.
Engage people as part of the solution.
Help people to reduce risk while doing the things that make them happy.
Acknowledge and address the hardship people experience, and the profound impact the pandemic has had on their lives.
WHO/Europe has suggested a quick list of concrete actions, with examples from countries of what they have done. More work will need to be carried out, with opportunities for regular exchanges of views among WHO and Member States.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Learn more about WHO's partners and donors and their contributions