Core Elements of a National COVID-19 Strategy: Lessons Learned from the US National HIV/AIDS Strategy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The United States has not yet established a comprehensive National COVID-19 Strategy.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing health consequences and social inequities globally and within the US.
• Lessons from the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) offer valuable insights for developing a robust national response.

Discussion:

• A national strategy is crucial for a coordinated and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The development, structure, implementation, and evaluation of the NHAS provide a framework for a National COVID-19 Strategy.
• A participatory and evidence-based approach is essential for a successful national strategy.

Key Insights:

• A comprehensive National COVID-19 Strategy is urgently needed to address the pandemic's multifaceted impacts.
• Leveraging the successes and lessons learned from the National HIV/AIDS Strategy can guide the creation of an effective COVID-19 plan.
• An uneven response across jurisdictions highlights the deficiency in a unified national approach.

Outlook:

• Developing a timely, dynamic, evidence-based, participatory, comprehensive, and impactful National COVID-19 Strategy is paramount.
• Such a strategy will mitigate disease-related mortality, reduce short- and long-term morbidity, and address health and social inequities.
• Without a national strategy, the US response will continue to be fragmented and less effective.