WHO global technical consultation on public health and social measures during health emergencies: report of the third meeting, Geneva, Switzerland, 24-26 March 2026

Overview

WHO held its third global technical consultation on public health and social measures (PHSM) during health emergencies from 24 to 26 March 2026. The consultation brought together 133 experts from 31 Member States, representing ministries of health, national public health institutes, civil society, and international organizations. 

The first day focused on reviewing progress and sharing lessons learned from countries and partners to strengthen PHSM for emergency preparedness and response. The second day focused on advancing equitable, context-specific implementation of PHSM. In breakout sessions, experts explored how countries can select and adapt measures to their contexts, considering effectiveness as well as feasibility, public acceptance and reducing adverse health and socioeconomic impacts. They consulted on a draft operational guidance for implementing the WHO decision framework (PHSM Decision Navigator), a draft Navigator module on epidemic and pandemic influenza, and community-centred approaches to PHSM implementation. The third day focused on strengthening the evidence base for PHSM. Breakout sessions covered master protocols and a user manual for evaluating PHSM, good practice in monitoring unintended consequences of PHSM implementation, as well as the AI-powered PHSM Knowledge Hub. 

The consultation reflects a strong global commitment to connect experience, evidence, action and investment to strengthen PHSM research, decision-making and implementation for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response.