COVID-19 policy briefs

More than 3 years since cases were first reported, the COVID-19 pandemic remains an acute global emergency. Many governments face uncertainties about how to prioritize at a time when the pandemic appears to be in transition but when the risk of emergence of new variants and future surges remains real.

To assist national and global efforts to end the COVID-19 emergency worldwide, WHO updated the COVID-19 Global Preparedness, Readiness and Response plan in 2022 and outlined two strategic objectives. First, reduce the circulation of the virus by protecting individuals, especially vulnerable individuals at risk of severe disease or occupational exposure to the virus. Second, prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19 to reduce deaths, disease and long-term consequences. These combined strategies can save lives and livelihoods.

To provide actionable approaches to meeting these objectives, WHO has produced eight short policy briefs that are based on previously published technical guidance. They outline essential actions that national and sub-national policy makers can implement for the following:

• COVID-19 surveillance
• Gatherings in the context of COVID-19
• COVID-19 testing
• Clinical management of COVID-19
• Reaching COVID-19 vaccination targets
• Maintaining infection prevention and control measures for COVID-19 in health care facilities
• Building trust through risk communication and community engagement
• Managing the COVID-19 infodemic

WHO Member States are in different situations with regard to COVID-19 due to a number of factors such as population-level immunity, public trust and access to vaccines and therapeutics. These policy briefs will provide the basis for an agile response as countries continue to confront the pandemic while consolidating the foundation for a stronger public health infrastructure and strengthening the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience.