In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Kava exposure cases surge in U.S as Kratom mix raises health risks, CDC warns
2. PACIFIC — Brisbane faith communities to pray for Pacific neighbours battling climate change and leadership in energy transition
3. UN — Middle East crisis exposes global energy fault line as UN urges shift to renewables
4. FIJI — Fiji, New Zealand sealnew Duavata Partnership for 2026–2030
5. TONGA — Tongan children overseas invited to share their stories in new book project
6. FIJI — One in ten children in Fiji has a disability, true numbers likely higher
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Middle East conflict poses economic risks for Fiji and Pacific – ADB
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji urged to accelerate shift to resilient, low-carbon transport
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji moves to join WTO legal body to boost Trade protection
10. PACNEWS DIGEST — Advancing infection prevention and control in Samoa through updated Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines and the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) 2026–2031
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — From evidence to action: WHO consultation advances public health and social measures for public health emergencies
PAC-KAVA INDUSTRY: PACNEWSS PACNEWS 2: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Kava exposure cases surge in U.S as Kratom mix raises health risks, CDC warns
By Pita Ligaiula
WASHINGTON, 03 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)—A new report by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention shows a sharp rise in poison centre reports linked to kava products in the United States, with growing concern over products mixed with kratom and increasing serious health outcomes.
“Analysis of 2000–2025 National Poison Data System exposure data identified a resurgence of kava-related exposure reports since 2011, with recent exposures primarily involving men aged less than 20 years. Rates of serious medical outcomes have approximately doubled, coinciding with rising co-use of kava with kratom,” the report said.
The report, based on data from the National Poison Data System, recorded 3,101 kava-related exposure cases between 2000 and 2025, with cases climbing steadily after a sharp drop following a 2002 safety warning.
By 2025, annual cases had risen to 203, a 383 percent increase from 2011 levels, signalling what health officials describe as a resurgence tied to the growing popularity of commercial kava products.
Kava, known scientifically as Piper methysticum, is traditionally used across the Pacific in cultural and social settings. However, the report highlights major differences between traditional use and commercial products sold in the United States.
These products are often concentrated extracts, capsules or ready-to-drink beverages, sometimes marketed as alcohol alternatives but lacking regulation and consistent safety standards.
“What is already known about this topic? Kava, a plant native to the Pacific Islands, is traditionally consumed in religious and cultural ceremonies. In the United States, it is sold as unregulated concentrated extracts and ready-to-drink beverages and commonly marketed as a healthy alternative to alcohol. Reports of liver toxicity and co-use with kratom, a psychoactive plant with opioid-like properties, have raised safety concerns.”
Health officials say the rising trend is being driven in part by the emergence of combination products containing both kava and kratom, a psychoactive substance with opioid-like effects.]
Since 2017, co-use of kava with kratom has increased sharply, accounting for 30 percent of all kava-related exposure reports in 2025.
The report also shows that serious medical outcomes linked to these exposures have increased significantly, rising from 12 percent in 2000 to as high as 39 percent in recent years.
“What are the implications for public health practice? Enhanced surveillance, increased clinical awareness, and targeted education might help reduce risks from kava and its emerging co-use with kratom, particularly among U.S men.”
Common health effects reported include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and heart-related symptoms, with more severe cases involving seizures, tremors and high blood pressure, particularly when kava is combined with other substances.
The report notes that while traditional kava use in the Pacific is generally associated with lower health risks, commercial products can contain significantly higher concentrations of active compounds.
In some cases, these products contain kavalactone levels two to ten times higher than traditional preparations, increasing the risk of adverse effects, especially when consumed without medical guidance.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously issued warnings linking kava to severe liver injury and has stated that such products are not considered safe for recreational consumption.
Despite these warnings, the market for kava products in the United States has expanded, particularly alongside the rise of alcohol-free social venues and alternative beverages.
The report highlights that most recent exposure cases involve adult men, with cases involving children now rare, marking a shift from earlier trends in the early 2000s.
Health officials say the findings point to the need for stronger monitoring, better regulation and increased public awareness about the risks linked to commercial kava products.
They also stress the importance of educating consumers about the differences between traditional use in Pacific cultures and the higher-risk commercial products now widely available.
The report concludes that while kava remains culturally significant in the Pacific, its growing commercial use in unregulated forms presents an emerging public health concern that requires urgent attention…. PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: CATHOLIC LEADER PACNEWS 2: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Brisbane faith communities to pray for Pacific neighbours battling climate change and leadership in energy transition
BRISBANE, 03 APRIL 2026 (CATHOLIC LEADER)—Faith leaders will gather in Brisbane this month to pray for people experiencing the negative effects of climate change as well as decision-makers gathering in Colombia for the first conference on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels – an offshoot of COP30.
Archdiocesan Ministries inclusion project officer Emma Beach said climate change was “at a crisis and we need action”.
“Prayer is just so instrumental in fuelling that change,” she said.
While previous Church vigils and climate-change events have included other Christian denominations, this event marks a significant expansion across faiths.
Leaders from the Baháʼí, Buddhist, Sufi and pagan communities will join in with prayer events across the week to coincide with events held by the Catholic and Anglican traditions.
Beach said the interfaith action offered a united voice for “our common home”.
For organisers, the movement is not just about environmental policy but the people already living on the cusp of a rapidly changing world.
Beach highlighted the “horrific situation” facing the Torres Strait and the inundation of ceremonial spaces on Palm Island.
She pointed to the extreme heat in the Kimberley, where remote communities often live without air conditioning and the plight of Pacific neighbours in Kiribati and Tuvalu battling rising sea levels.
“It’s not just about our earth, but it’s about people,” Beach said.
For Beach, her children were always front of mind when thinking about the future of the planet.
“Every little bit you do makes a difference,” she said.
What started as a local Brisbane initiative has picked up pace with groups in Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne signing on as well as international interest in New Zealand, the Philippines and South Africa.
Beach said the wisdom to solve the climate crisis was held “in community” and “listening to a variety of viewpoints”.
The prayer vigil will be held at the Francis Rush Centre in the St Stephen’s Cathedral precinct on 21 April….PACNEWS
UN- IRAN CRISIS: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 2: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Middle East crisis exposes global energy fault line as UN urges shift to renewables
NEW YORK, 03 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE)—The ongoing crisis in the Middle East is exposing a central vulnerability in the global economy: the dependence on fossil fuels flowing through regions affected by conflict, a situation which is strengthening the UN’s case for a faster transition to cheaper, more resilient renewable power.
The Hormuz Strait in the Persian Gulf, through which one fifth of the world’s supply of oil and gas passes, has been largely closed to shipping since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, as well as, to a lesser extent, other nations, began a month ago.
The disruption to supplies has already resulted in reduced access to the fossil fuels which countries around the world need to produce power, leading to higher prices rattling global markets in the process.
The United Nations says the bottleneck caused by the virtual closure of the strait underscores a fundamental issue that energy security is no longer just about supply, but also about resilience and finding alternative power sources in an increasingly unstable world.
Concern over the use of fossil fuels has typically been linked to climate change, due to the warming effects of the gases they produce when burned, but now energy security has come more into focus.
Earlier this year, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that “in this age of war…our addiction to fossil fuels is destabilising both the climate and global security.”
Since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, it has become increasingly evident that:
*Important oil and gas supplies are concentrated in regions vulnerable to conflict
* Transport routes can be disrupted by military escalation
* Price volatility quickly spreads across economies
As countries around the world continue to rely on fossil fuels to meet the daily needs of citizens and to drive economic growth, it has become clear that they are more vulnerable than ever before to sudden supply disruptions.
Stable and strategic relations with other countries to ensure power supplies are at a premium as energy demands grow.
“Three-fourths of humanity lives in countries that are net importers of fossil fuels, dependent on energy they do not control, at prices they cannot predict,” said Guterres in February this year.
The UN chief also warned about the risk of development budgets “siphoned into fuel bills, at the constant mercy of geopolitical turmoil and supply disruptions”, insisting: “We must stop treating the transition away from fossil fuels as taboo.”
One solution to guard against the crisis and chaos caused by a lack of access to fossil fuels is to transition to renewable energy sources, for example solar, wind and water power.
These offer a fundamentally different power provision model, one that is more widely accessible and potentially cheaper.
Renewable energy is often locally sourced, domestically produced, and thus less vulnerable to the global upheaval that geopolitical crises can spark.
As the UN’s climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized earlier this year, “renewables are the clearest, cheapest path to energy security and sovereignty, shielding countries and economies from shocks unleashed by wars, trade turmoil and the ‘might-is-right’ politics that leave every nation poorer.”
The transition from fossil fuel sources to renewable energy has already begun.
Kenya, in East Africa, has become a global leader in renewable energy, particularly geothermal power, generating the vast majority of its electricity from renewables.
The South American nation, Chile, is one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets. It has moved away from coal-fired power generation by scaling up solar and wind power, taking advantage of natural conditions of the type found in the Atacama Desert.
India, too, has focused on expanding solar and wind infrastructure, integrating renewables into its national development and electrification strategies, although it still relies heavily on oil and gas which are typically delivered through the Strait of Hormuz from countries bordering the Persian Gulf.
While energy security is a growing geopolitical issue that sovereign nations need to address, it is also deeply personal, affecting families and individuals around the world, as people face higher energy bills and an overall increase in the cost of living..
In most cases, according to the UN, renewables are cheaper than coal, oil or gas, and so can directly lower electricity costs for households.
Renewables can also protect people from future price spikes by providing cheaper, more stable power directly to communities…..PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS/FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 2: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Fiji, New Zealand sealnew Duavata Partnership for 2026–2030
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS/FIJI GOVT)— Fiji Cabinet has endorsed a new Duavata Partnership with New Zealand for 2026–2030, setting the framework for cooperation between the two countries over the next five years.
The agreement outlines joint priorities focused on economic resilience, climate action, social wellbeing, and peace and security.
Officials say the partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between Fiji and New Zealand and aims to strengthen coordination in areas aligned with Fiji’s national development goals.
The Duavata Partnership is expected to guide collaboration across key sectors, ensuring both countries work closely on shared priorities that impact communities.
The Government says the agreement reflects continued commitment from both sides to deepen cooperation and deliver practical outcomes.
Through the partnership, Fiji and New Zealand will continue to work together to strengthen resilience, security and economic development over the next five years…. PACNEWS
TONGA – BOOK PROJECT: PMN PACNEWS 2: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Tongan children overseas invited to share their stories in new book project
AUCKLAND, 03 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—A South Auckland writer is inviting young Tongans living overseas to help tell their stories in a new book project.
David Riley, also known as the Reading Warrior, is looking for Tongan children aged roughly eight to 14 to contribute to the next edition of his Oceania Heritage series.
Speaking on PMN T, Riley says it’s the third book in a series of history books about the Pacific, written from the perspective of children. The two earlier books focused on Niue and Sāmoa.
“The overall mission is to provide content for Pacific children,” Riley says.
“It’s still quite difficult to find books about Tongan, Samoan, Cook Islands, Niuean history and culture that are written for children.
“A lot of material is written university level or for adults.
“What better way to provide that kind of content than to have it written by children themselves.
“It’s fulfilling a need for content, for books written about Pacific history and culture at a level that children can relate to and be interested in.”
The first book, released in 2024, worked with Niuean children in Aotearoa and overseas. A second book, for Samoan students, was launched in Apia last year.
For the Tongan edition, Riley says 32 children will take part, including students from Auckland, Tonga, and small Tongan communities around the world.
“We want to get the perspective of Tongan children living in places, where maybe they’re the only Tongan family there,” he says. “It’s really great for Tongan children to read about the experiences of Tongan children living in other parts of the world.”
Riley says previous projects show how the books can reach beyond Pacific communities.
“When they receive the books, they take them to school and show their friends,” he says. “There’s a whole lot of kids in Sweden who now know about Sāmoa, thanks to their classmates.”
Riley is encouraging families with children living overseas to get in touch.
He says he is particularly interested in hearing from Tongans in Europe, South America, and Asia, where communities may be small or isolated……PACNEWS
FIJI – DISABILITY FORUM: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Fri 03 Apr 2026
One in ten children in Fiji has a disability, true numbers likely higher
SUVA, 13 APRIL 2026 ( FIJI SUN)—Almost one in every 10 Fijian children aged two to 17 has a disability.
However, experts warn the real number is likely much higher, as thousands of children are never identified or counted.
Data from the 2021 Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey showed that 8.8 per cent of children in this age group were living with a disability, with boys (9.6 pe cent) more affected than girls (7.9 percent).
Children in urban areas (10 per cent) had higher rates than those in rural areas (7.2 per cent), while the Western Division recorded the highest rate at 10.5 per cent.
Children from the poorest households were also more affected at 9.5 per cent, compared to 7.5 per cent from the wealthiest.
However, Fiji Bureau of Statistics Data Manager Analyst Neori Kete said Fiji currently has no proper tool to measure whether children with disabilities can actually access services.
“There is currently no proper tool available to measure the inclusivity and accessibility of services for children with disability,” Kete said.
He called for a dedicated national survey focused entirely on children and persons with disability.
Frank Hilton Organisation chief executive Sureni Perera warned that the official figures were only scratching the surface. ‘
“There are many children in schools right now, in communities right now, who are not a statistic. The numbers do paint a startling picture, but we need to understand this is just the tip of the iceberg” she said.
Fiji Disabled Persons Federation office manager Seinimilia Seru echoed the concern.
“If people are not identified, how can we support them if we do not know about them?” Seru said.
Meanwhile, a mother broke down at a national disability forum this week after sharing how her 10-year-old autistic daughter had been bullied by classmates, community members and even relatives.
As a result, the child is now too afraid to leave the house.
Litia Raiwalui told the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Supporting Children with Disabilities in Fiji on Wednesday that her daughter had been called derogatory names in public and once came home asking what the words meant.
“As we speak today, her only confinement area is home,” Raiwalui said. “Going to school, she still can’t fit in.”
She said despite receiving professional counselling herself, she struggled to change the attitudes of those around her daughter.
“I am counselled by professionals, but still I can’t psycho-educate my relatives, my friends,” she said.
Her testimony drew an emotional response, with Frank Hilton Organisation chief executive Sureni Perera saying it reflected the reality faced by many families across Fiji.
“I’m judged as a parent on the bus because my child cannot sit still and becomes overwhelmed,” Ms Perera said, relaying the experiences of families who come to the organisation for help.
She called for stronger community awareness and greater support for parents to help shift attitudes.
Fiji Disabled Persons Federation office manager Seinimilia Seru said attitudes, not access, remained the biggest barrier facing children with disabilities in Fiji.
“Mindsets can only be changed if we talk about it. It’s been too long that our cultures and traditions have stopped us from discussing these sensitive issues,” Ms Seru said.
She said children with and without disabilities should grow up together, as shared experiences were key to breaking down stigma…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PACIFIC – IRAN CRISIS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Middle East conflict poses economic risks for Fiji and Pacific – ADB
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji and other Pacific economies face growing economic risks from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly through rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions, a new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) warns.
The report highlights that economies in Asia and the Pacific, including Fiji, are highly vulnerable due to their reliance on imported energy.
“The 2026 conflict in the Middle East affects economies… through higher energy prices, supply chain and trade disruptions, tighter financial conditions, and weaker remittance flows,” the ADB states.
For Fiji, where fuel imports are critical to transport, electricity generation and daily living costs, any sustained increase in global oil prices could significantly impact inflation and economic growth.
The report notes that even moderate increases in energy prices can result in “significant income losses” for energy-importing countries.
It warns that under a prolonged conflict scenario, growth across developing Asia and the Pacific could fall by up to 1.3 percentage points, while inflation could rise by as much as 3.2 percentage points over 2026–2027.
Shipping disruptions are also a concern, particularly through key global routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, where a sharp decline in vessel traffic has already been recorded.
“Shipping disruptions can quickly raise costs, delay production, and strain supply chains,” the report states.
For Fiji, which depends heavily on imports for fuel, food and essential goods, these disruptions could translate into higher prices and delays in supply.
The report also highlights risks to tourism and aviation, with flight disruptions and rising jet fuel costs likely to increase travel expenses and affect visitor arrivals.
Financial markets have also reacted, with regional currencies weakening and investment flows tightening, adding further pressure on smaller economies.
The ADB is urging governments to safeguard macroeconomic stability, manage energy consumption and accelerate efforts toward energy diversification.
“Policymakers should… accelerate energy diversification,” the report states, adding that targeted support measures are preferable to broad subsidies…..PACNEWS
FIJI – TRANSPORT: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Fiji urged to accelerate shift to resilient, low-carbon transport
SUVA, 03 APRIL 20267 (FIJI TIMES)—-Fiji must urgently transition to a more resilient and low-carbon transport system as climate risks and energy dependency continue to strain the sector, according to a new report by the Asian Transport Observatory.
The Transport in Review: Fiji report highlights that transport accounts for 47 per cent of the country’s energy-related carbon emissions, with the sector heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels.
It notes that while Fiji has set ambitious climate targets — including reducing domestic maritime emissions by 40 per cent and road transport emissions by 14 per cent by 2035 — progress towards electrification remains limited.
“Scaling public charging infrastructure and strengthening grid capacity are prerequisites for transition,” the report states.
The report warns that climate change is already placing increasing pressure on infrastructure, with around 90 per cent of Fiji’s population living in vulnerable coastal areas.
“Adaptation — climate-proofing roads, upgrading water crossings, strengthening bridges — is no longer future planning; it is fiscal risk management,” it states.
While recent increases in electric vehicle imports and the removal of VAT are seen as positive steps, the report stresses that deeper systemic changes are needed.
“The path forward requires a fundamental decoupling of mobility from carbon emissions,” it says.
The maritime sector, which supports 95 per cent of Fiji’s trade, also requires urgent modernisation, including investment in low-carbon technologies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
“The challenge is not merely to build more infrastructure, but to manage what already exists, protect it against climate shocks, and align mobility growth with safety and decarbonisation goals,” the report states.
It also calls for a more coordinated and inclusive approach to transport planning, particularly in addressing congestion in Greater Suva and improving connectivity in rural areas.
“Without that transition, the costs of distance, congestion, and climate will compound,” the report warns.
However, it adds that with the right reforms, Fiji can position itself as a model for sustainable and resilient transport systems in the Pacific….PACNEWS
FIJI – TRADE: PACNEWS/FIJI GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Fiji moves to join WTO legal body to boost Trade protection
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2026 ( PACNEWS/FIJI GOVT)– Fiji Cabinet has approved the country’s accession to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL), a move aimed at strengthening Fiji’s ability to protect its interests in global trade.
The ACWL provides developing countries with legal advice, support in trade disputes and training on World Trade Organization rules.
Officials say joining the body will help Fiji better understand and apply international trade agreements and improve its ability to defend its position in global markets.
The move is expected to strengthen decision-making on trade issues and expand opportunities for Fiji to benefit from international trade.
The accession will now be taken to Parliament for approval, with the process supported by funding from Australia and New Zealand.
Government says the step will give Fiji stronger technical support, improve trade capability and enhance its position in international negotiations…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Advancing infection prevention and control in Samoa through updated Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines and the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) 2026–2031
APIA, 03 APRIL 2026 (SPC)—Safe healthcare relies on clear standards, strong systems and the ability to respond rapidly to emerging health threats.
Across the world, healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance remain a major challenge for health systems. Without effective infection prevention and control measures, infections can spread within healthcare facilities, putting patients, healthcare workers and communities at risk.
In Samoa, strengthening these practices has become a priority in order to improve the safety and resilience of the national health system.
To address these challenges, the Pacific Community (SPC), through its Public Health Division, particularly the Clinical Services Programme, has collaborated with the Samoa Ministry of Health to support the development and updating of the national Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidelines.
These national guidelines provide health professionals with a practical framework to support infection prevention in healthcare settings, strengthen patient safety and promote consistent standards of care across the health system.
The official launch of this national framework forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s preparedness for public health emergencies.
The NSOAP plan is an additional milestone that SPC has achieved with Samoa Ministry of Health since discussions began two years ago.
At the event, the Government of Samoa also announced the launch of the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging health threats, as well as the National Antimicrobial Guidelines 2026.
Together, these initiatives strengthen Samoa’s efforts to improve infection prevention, promote the responsible use of antimicrobials, and enhance the quality and safety of surgical and clinical care.
The development of these national frameworks was supported by collaboration among the Government of Samoa, SPC, and several international partners committed to strengthening health systems across the region.
With support from the European Union and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), these efforts aim to sustainably strengthen Samoa’s capacity to respond to current and future health threats.
Beyond developing these technical frameworks and policy tools, these initiatives contribute to a broader objective: strengthening the foundations of safer healthcare.
By supporting countries in developing evidence-based technical frameworks, strengthening capacity and reinforcing infection prevention systems, SPC continues to work alongside Pacific Island countries to improve patient safety and strengthen health security across the region….PACNEWS
Contacts: Silina Motofaga, Team leader, Pacific Community’s Clinical Services Programme | silinam@spc.int
Lamour Hansell, Programme Coordinator, Pacific Community’s (SPC) Clinical Services Programme| lamourh@spc.int
Maïana Katoa, Communications Assistant, Pacific Community’s Public Health Division | maianak@spc.int
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
From evidence to action: WHO consultation advances public health and social measures for public health emergencies
MANILA, 03 APRIL 2026 (WHO)—For its third global technical consultation on Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) during health emergencies, held on 24–26 March, WHO brought together over 120 experts from 44 Member States representing ministries of health, national institutes of public health and academia as well as civil society and international organisations.
PHSM refers to nonpharmaceutical interventions that reduce the risk and scale of infectious disease transmission and lower the number of hospitalisations and deaths. Examples include symptom screening, personal hygiene measures, surface cleaning, vector control, modifications to gatherings, and domestic or international mobility. PHSM, therefore, plays a critical role in reducing the pressure on the health-care system during health emergencies, buying time to develop and distribute vaccines and treatments, and saving lives while protecting livelihoods.
From 4 am in Mexico City to 9 pm in Sydney, global experts came together with a shared purpose to advance and accelerate the evidence base for PHSM effectiveness, unintended negative consequences and drivers of adherence, and strengthen risk-based, evidence-informed and equitable PHSM decision-making.
Taking stock of progress and lessons learned
The first day of the consultation focused on hearing updates of the efforts of both countries and partner organizations to strengthen PHSM for the preparedness and response of public health emergencies. Participants from the Ministries of Health from India and Malaysia, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands, the University of Hong Kong, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the UK Health Security Agency and WHO regional offices shared experiences.
Advancing effectiveness and equity of PHSM decision-making in diverse contexts
The second day focused on advancing equitable and context-specific implementation of PHSM. Experts explored how countries can select and adapt measures to their unique contexts, emphasizing that effectiveness depends not only on strong evidence but also on feasibility, public acceptance and reducing adverse health and socioeconomic impacts.
Experts were consulted on the advancement of:
– operational guidance for implementing the WHO decision framework, PHSM Decision Navigator;
– a PHSM Decision Navigator module on epidemic and pandemic influenza; and
– community-centred approaches to PHSM implementation.
This work is supported in collaboration with the Department of epidemic and emerging infectious and the Department of All-Hazards Public Health Response of the UK Health Security Agency.
Strengthening the evidence base for PHSM
The third day focused on the implementation of the World Health Assembly Resolution 78.3, Strengthening the evidence base for public health and social measures which requested the Director-General to address methodological, legal and ethical considerations to improve research on PHSM; develop flexible study protocol templates for measuring the effectiveness of PHSM implementation; and to collate, review and update good practice for research and to support countries in monitoring adverse consequences of PHSM implementation.
Experts contributed insights on:
– master protocol templates using the school reopening scenario and a user manual to adapt and conduct methodologically and publicly-acceptable trials during and ahead of health emergencies:
– country-level good practice for monitoring social determinants of health and health equity as well as real-time monitoring during health emergencies; and
– the AI-powered PHSM Knowledge Hub, a comprehensive evidence base for PHSM policy and practice.
Looking ahead
The consultation reflects a global commitment to connect experience, evidence, action and investment to strengthen PHSM research, decision-making and implementation on preparing for and preventing epidemics and pandemics, demonstrating WHO’s unique role is in convening partners, setting norms and standards, and providing guidance to countries.
The WHO PHSM Secretariat continues to make strategic investments to strengthen global and national capacities, enhance the rigour, comparability, and policy relevance of evidence, and provide robust guidance and resources for countries – translating normative leadership into sustained system-level impact, reinforcing PHSM as a strategic pillar for protecting populations and strengthening health emergency preparedness and response within, at, and across borders….PACNEWS
