Lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic

Middle East and North Africa regional perspective for future preparedness

Bibliographic Data

ID21880087
AuthorsNoha H Farag (0000-0002-4968-5907, Middle East College), Ahmet Ozen (0000-0003-0976-1239, Marmara University), Alicen B Spaulding (0000-0002-4687-3259, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), Gulfaraz Khan (0000-0001-6836-1783, United Arab Emirates University), Mohamed Ridha Barbouche (Arabian Gulf University), Munmun A Khan (0009-0001-5307-3399, Middle East College), Pierre Zalloua (0000-0002-8494-5081, Harvard University), Samira Al-Mahruqi (0000-0002-7118-3305, Association of Public Health Laboratories), Walid Zaher (0000-0002-5868-7568, University of Dubai), Zayid K Almayahi (0000-0002-4456-3177, Middle East College), Alawi Alsheikh-Ali (Dubai Health Authority), Heather Burke (0000-0002-1141-9072, Middle East College), Mohamed H Sayegh (0000-0002-2847-588X, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
Year2026
Volume11
Issue3
Pagese021417
Publication date2026-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2025-021417
PMID41895795
OpenAlexW7141410780
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited5

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical gaps in preparedness and response capacities globally. These gaps were evident in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as the region faces unique challenges due to ongoing humanitarian crises, political instability and large-scale religious gatherings, which further exacerbate the risk of spread of infectious diseases. In April 2024, a conference hosted by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention MENA Regional Office and National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, brought together 200 scientists and public health professionals from 16 countries to discuss lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to strengthen future preparedness and response. This report presents the key barriers to regional collaboration and data sharing identified during the conference, along with the proposed solutions, including establishing regional collaboration platforms, increasing public–private partnerships, operationalising the one health approach and leveraging technological advances. Reflections on the global pandemic response emphasise the need for improved communication, preparedness extending beyond the health sector and distribution of resources. The collective insights and recommendations in this report aim to provide a roadmap for strengthening emergency preparedness and response in the MENA region and globally, ensuring improved readiness for future public health emergencies

Emergency management · Global health · Middle East · Pandemic · Preparedness · Public health · Public sector · COVID-19 epidemiological studies · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research · Zoonotic diseases and public health