Community Involvement in COVID-19 Management: A Central Component of Comprehensive Public Health Responses to COVID-19 and Future Health Crises.
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Aghakhani N, Ewalds-Kvist BM, Azami M, Amini Rarani S
Disaster Med Public Health Prep 18 (-) e327
[2025-01-02; online 2025-01-02]
The COVID-19 pandemic is highly contagious, with symptoms such as myalgia, cough, fever, and weakness, posing a greater risk to older adults and individuals with chronic conditions. Effective management requires meaningful community involvement to reduce health inequalities and ensure people-centered health care. Engaging local voices, including leaders, health care professionals, and vulnerable populations, enhances decision-making, transparent communication, and resource mobilization. A whole-community approach, involving collaboration across various sectors, strengthens prevention, testing, and recovery efforts. By prioritizing vulnerable groups and adapting interventions to local contexts, community engagement plays a vital role in addressing the pandemic's challenges and building a resilient health care system. This strategy not only aids in managing the current crisis but also prepares public health systems for future emergencies, emphasizing equity and comprehensive public health responses.
PubMed 39743856
DOI 10.1017/dmp.2024.301
Crossref 10.1017/dmp.2024.301
pii: S193578932400301X