Health System Resilience in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Perspective on the Recent Lessons Learned

• DOI: 10.2196/41144
• Publication Date: 2022-11-21T12:02:47Z
• Authors: Mirwais Amiri; Mohannad Al Nsour; Alvaro Alonso-Gar...; Abdulwahed Al Ser...; Adna Maiteh; Elsheikh Badr
• Keywords: Resilience; Vulnerability

Public health has a pivotal role in strengthening resilience at individual, community, and system levels as well building healthy communities. During crises, resilient systems can effectively adapt response to evolving situations reduce vulnerability across beyond the systems. To engage national, regional, international public entities experts discussion of challenges hindering achievement (HSR) Eastern Mediterranean Region, Health Network (EMPHNET) held its seventh regional conference Amman, Jordan, between November 15 18, 2021, under theme "Towards Resilient Systems Mediterranean: Breaking Barriers." This viewpoint paper portrays roundtable on core themes that conference.Our aim was provide insights lessons learned from past explore new opportunities attain more break current barriers.The brought together panel representing Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs), Centers for Disease Control Prevention Atlanta, World Organization, EMPHNET, universities or academia, research institutions global levels. set ground, session began with four 10-12-minute presentations introducing concept HSR link workforce development an overall reflection matter through collective experiences. The were followed by open question answer allow interactive debate among members audience.The discussed faced times threats move toward systems, overcome barriers, enhance HSR. They presented field experiences FETPs example Yemen FETP. Furthermore, they debated COVID-19 how it reshape our thinking strategies approaching Finally, prosper face barriers recover extreme disruptions while maintaining functions systems.Considering situation region, there is need strengthen both pandemic preparedness investing essential including those required all-hazards emergency risk management. Institutionalized mechanisms whole-of-society engagement, primary care approaches security universal coverage, promoting enabling environments research, innovation, learning should be ensured. Investing epidemiological capacity continuous support work surveillance participating efforts early outbreaks crucial.