Preparing for the next pandemic: insights from Aotearoa New Zealand's Covid-19 response
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Date
2025-03-18
Open Access Location
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Rights
(c) 2025 The Author/s
CC BY-NC 4.0
CC BY-NC 4.0
Abstract
In 2020 Aotearoa New Zealand, like many other countries, faced the coronavirus pandemic armed with an influenza-based pandemic plan. The country adapted rapidly to mount a highly strategic and effective elimination response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, implementation was hampered by gaps in pandemic preparedness. These gaps undermined effectiveness of the response and exacerbated inequitable impacts of both Covid-19 disease and control measures. Our review examines the Covid-19 response, reflecting on strengths, limitations and implications for pandemic planning. We identify three key areas for improvement: 1) development of a systematised procedure for risk assessment of a new pandemic pathogen; 2) investment in essential capabilities during inter-pandemic periods; and 3) building equity into all stages of the response. We present a typology of potential pathogens and scenarios and describe the evidence assessment process and core capabilities required for countries to respond fluidly, equitably, and effectively to a rapidly emerging pandemic threat.
Description
Keywords
Infectious diseases, Pandemic planning, Equity, New Zealand
Citation
French NP, Maxwell H, Baker MG, Callaghan F, Dyet K, Geoghegan JL, Hayman DTS, Huang QS, Kvalsvig A, Russell E, Scott P, Thompson TP, Plank MJ. (2025). Preparing for the next pandemic: insights from Aotearoa New Zealand's Covid-19 response. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific. 56.