Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic – achieving resilience for the next health emergency
 

A new strategic document was officially presented at the “Lessons learned from COVID-19: getting ready for the next pandemic” event, on 13 September – part of the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC71). Within it are outlined 10 major lessons that have so far been identified by Member States in the Region and their partners. This document is intended to enhance national and community resilience against health emergencies and safeguard regional and global health security now and in the future.

Over the past year, members of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development  have reflected on what worked and, more often, what did not work in the COVID-19 response and in previous crises. In the Call to Action that was issued in March 2021 and in this final report, a series of recommendations have been made with the aim of achieving seven key objectives to prevent a catastrophe on the same scale from happening again.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for the health system but has also highlighted the importance of comprehensive primary health care services. Although Georgia has implemented reforms to strengthening the family medicine–based primary health care model over the past 30 years, previous steps have not resulted in the desired service delivery capability and outcomes. 

Romania: WHO support to boost preparedness and response to emergencies
 

A nongovernmental organization (NGO) in Romania which cares for vulnerable people is now able to respond to any type of national emergency, thanks to a fully equipped tent donated by WHO. Carusel, the Bucharest-based NGO, supports around 2500 people a year, including those who are homeless, people living with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, sex workers, and people with substance abuse problems.

Statement – Launch of final report of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development
 

Twelve months ago, WHO/Europe tasked 18 European political, academic and scientific heavyweights and international leaders, with rethinking health and policy in the light of pandemics. Today marks the culmination of their work – and the beginning of our work.

The recommendations of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development, made public today – shaped by the vision of Professor Mario Monti – are nothing short of groundbreaking. This is an ambitious but realistic agenda for a healthier, safer future. These are actionable recommendations that give governments and decision-makers tools to prevent and better handle future health threats – recommendations that save lives and livelihoods, trigger innovation, empower people, protect the planet.

WHO, Germany open Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin
 

“The world needs to be able to detect new events with pandemic potential and to monitor disease control measures on a real-time basis to create effective pandemic and epidemic risk management,” said Dr Tedros. “This Hub will be key to that effort, leveraging innovations in data science for public health surveillance and response, and creating systems whereby we can share and expand expertise in this area globally.” 

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored a fundamental lesson: the health of humans, animals and the planet that sustains us are intimately linked. A One Health approach is essential for preventing, detecting and responding rapidly to emerging pathogens, as well as for addressing antimicrobial resistance and improving food safety. Dr Tedros recorded this video message for the “Biodiversity PreCOP” meeting, hosted by the Convention on Biological Diversity on 30 August 2021.

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