Preparing to Respond to the Next Pandemic: Impact of Key WHO IPC COVID-19 Response Products

An outcomes/impact evaluation was undertaken (July 2023-April 2024) to evaluate the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) infection prevention and control (IPC) coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response team during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify how to better prepare for the next pandemic. The evaluation used mixed methods, focusing on three pillars of the team's work: (1) interim guidance and guidelines; (2) OpenWHO IPC courses; and (3) risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) interventions. A literature review, interviews with WHO headquarters and regional staff, case studies, and multicountry surveys were undertaken. Of the national representatives surveyed, 97% reported that the guidelines impacted their work; overall 76% of Member States used RCCE interventions and products; and 99% of course participants used what they learned professionally or personally. Member States identified gaps relating to national contextualization, availability of feedback and monitoring mechanisms, and knowledge sharing. There is strong evidence of the impact, effectiveness, and use of this team's work in developing IPC COVID-19 guidelines and through courses developed and shared via OpenWHO; however, there is weaker evidence on the impact of RCCE products/interventions as a standalone activity. To be better prepared for the next pandemic, Member States and the WHO need to collectively identify how best to sustain the IPC gains and address the gaps.