From crisis to resilience: Catalysing epidemic and pandemic preparedness through National Public Health Institutes

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) in responding to global health emergencies. This commentary examined the contributions and challenges of NPHIs in four countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), including Somalia, Morocco, Pakistan, and Jordan, during the pandemic response. Drawing on country case studies, we highlighted shared achievements, unique contributions, and operational challenges. Key successes included strengthening public health surveillance systems, expanding laboratory testing capacities, establishing emergency operations centers, and advancing pandemic-related research. However, several systemic challenges impeded effective response, including insufficient funding, workforce shortages, weak health information systems, unclear leadership roles, lack of standardized operating procedures, and limited evidence use in policymaking. Based on these experiences, we proposed key strategies to strengthen NPHIs and improve pandemic preparedness. These included securing sustainable financing (e.g., contingency funds), coordinating donor support, investing in workforce training and simulations, improving peripheral laboratory infrastructure and data integration, developing standardized, multisectoral protocols led by NPHIs, strengthening international partnerships for surveillance and resource mobilization, and enhancing risk communication and community engagement. The paper emphasized the importance of sustained political commitment and long-term investment in NPHIs to build resilient health systems capable of effectively responding to future health threats.