WHO actively engages with nongovernmental organizations, international business associations and philanthropic foundations – collectively referred to as non-State actors (NSAs) – to support Member States' effort to advance the public health agenda. In this context, NSAs requested a dedicated opportunity to discuss the draft resolution on Strengthening the evidence base for public health and social measures, with the aim of promoting a shared understanding of the draft resolution and facilitating technical exchanges and collaboration between Member States, NSAs and WHO.
On 29 April 2025, NSAs, represented by the World Heart Federation and the International Alliance of Patients' Organizations led a focused webinar to contribute perspectives ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly.
About the draft resolutio
Public health and social measures (PHSM) refer to nonpharmaceutical interventions implemented by individuals, communities, institutions and governments to reduce the risk and scale of infectious disease transmission and lower hospitalizations and deaths. As part of Community Protection, the subsystem of the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, prevention, response and resilience, Examples include symptom screening, personal hygiene measures, surface cleaning, vector control, modifications to gatherings, and domestic or international mobility. PHSM, therefore, play a critical role in reducing the pressure on the health care system, buying time to develop and distribute medical countermeasures (MCM) such as vaccines and treatments, thereby saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods.
An overview of systematic reviews on the effects of PHSM implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic uncovered that the evidence base is limited to provide robust and reliable evidence-informed guidance on PHSM effectiveness.
Norway and several other Member States, therefore, have tabled a draft resolution urging to strengthen research capacities and systems to measure the effectiveness and unintended negative consequences of PHSM implementation, with an emphasis on the importance on behavioral and social change science, community participatory research, supportive ethics and regulatory bodies and the highest level of human research subject protections. Furthermore, the draft resolution underscores the importance of the use of robust evidence to inform decisions on proportionate, relevant and context-specific PHSM policy and implementation.
An informal session with non-State actors (NSA) held ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA)
Panelists from the Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research within Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), the International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO) and WHO, moderated by the World Heart Federation exchanged views on the critical need for better evidence on PHSM during health emergencies, and reflected a diverse perspectives on the opportunities for implementing the draft resolution.
The panel stressed the resolution's landmark commitment to building a robust evidence base for PHSM, the importance of expanding the knowledge base not only for PHSM effectiveness research, but also for research on PHSM implementation, adherence, and its unintended consequences. The session underscored the importance of involving non-State actors, particularly CSOs and academia, in both PHSM research and its implementation.
Panelists and participants also addressed the complexities of conducting rigorous PHSM research during health emergencies, including the need to gain public and political support, navigate ethical and legal constraints on research, and adapt to rapidly evolving nature of health emergencies. The draft resolution aims to catalyze rapid evidence generation during emergencies, integrate behavioral science, ensure transparent data sharing, and uphold ethical oversight especially research subject protection.
As part of Community Protection, the subsystem of the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, prevention, response and resilience, PHSM research and implementation are pivotal. The resolution reflects a strong commitment to collaboration among Member States, NSAs, and WHO—aiming to advance evidence-informed and equitable PHSM approaches for future health crises.
