D 04 - National Responses to COVID-19

The pandemic of COVID-19 has not only affected all parts of the world but also impacted more people than any recent outbreak in such a short time. Nation states have responded differently to this threat over time based on a diverse set of political, social and economic determinants. Scientists, experts, health professionals and researchers have been a part of these responses, and have also studied these action to try and define their motivations and impact. This variation in national responses has taken the public health community by surprise, and prevented a globally consistent response to COVID-19. This variation in handling COVID-19 has also uncovered political and contextual factors that affect pandemic preparedness and response at regional and national levels.

This session will discuss experiences from several parts of the world around the following key questions below.