Building coalitions for strengthening public health and social measures during health emergencies: meeting report, Cascais, Portugal, 14-15 June 2023
Overview
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.
