Leveraging lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen low-income and middle-income country preparedness for future global health threats.

Abstract

Although the global COVID-19 pandemic response was quick to develop medical countermeasures, it failed to fully prevent morbidity and mortality in high-income countries and low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). As new variants and post-COVID-19 condition continue to emerge and affect health systems and economies, the full human and economic cost is yet to be felt. We should now learn from these shortcomings and implement more inclusive and equitable frameworks to prevent and respond to outbreaks. This Series offers specific learnings from COVID-19 vaccination campaigns and non-pharmaceutical interventions, highlighting the need for resilient, inclusive, and equitable health systems. Taking action to rebuild trust and invest in resilient local manufacturing capacity, supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and placing LMIC voices at the centre of decision making will help to ensure preparedness for future threats. It is time to move beyond mere talk of learning and implementing lessons and instead take action towards a more resilient future.