Managing the next pandemic: Lessons for policy makers from COVID-19

Managing a pandemic offers lessons for preparing for similar episodes in future. The importance of surveillance in One World-One Health mode and the need to share information expeditiously to mobilize national and international resources has been evident. Pandemics cause disruption to normal social and economic activity, which would be tolerated better if there is trust in authorities. Governments need to guard against over centralization in a health crisis as it discourages community involvement and willing compliance with pandemic-related restrictions. Health emergencies can be managed effectively if health systems have been strengthened during normal times. Financial flexibility needs to be built into the public financial management systems to fund the unanticipated expenditure. The pandemic has underscored the global interdependence and the need to have systems for a global response to health emergencies. Health systems have to be reengineered to better deal with future pandemics.