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Despite notable scientific and medical advances, broader political, socioeconomic and behavioural factors continue to undercut the response to the COVID-19 pandemic1,2. Here we convened, as part of this Delphi study, a diverse, multidisciplinary panel of 386 academic, health, non-governmental organization, government and other experts in COVID-19 response from 112 countries and territories to recommend specific actions to end this persistent global threat to public health. The panel developed a set of 41 consensus statements and 57 recommendations to governments, health systems, industry and other key stakeholders across six domains: communication; health systems; vaccination; prevention; treatment and care; and inequities. In the wake of nearly three years of fragmented global and national responses, it is instructive to note that three of the highest-ranked recommendations call for the adoption of whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches1, while maintaining proven prevention measures using a vaccines-plus approach2 that employs a range of public health and financial support measures to complement vaccination. Other recommendations with at least 99% combined agreement advise governments and other stakeholders to improve communication, rebuild public trust and engage communities3 in the management of pandemic responses. The findings of the study, which have been further endorsed by 184 organizations globally, include points of unanimous agreement, as well as six recommendations with >5% disagreement, that provide health and social policy actions to address inadequacies in the pandemic response and help to bring this public health threat to an end.

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Background & Aims Chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV & HCV) is a major contributor to liver disease and liver‐related mortality in Uzbekistan. There is a need to demonstrate the feasibility of large‐scale simplified testing and treatment to implement a national viral hepatitis elimination program. Methods Thirteen polyclinics were utilized to screen, conduct follow‐up biochemical measures and treat chronic HBV and HCV infection in the general adult population. Task shifting and motivational interviewing training allowed nurses to provide rapid screening and general practitioners (GPs) to treat individuals on‐site. An electronic medical system tracked individuals through the cascade of care. Results The use of rapid tests allowed for screening of 60 769 people for HCV and HBV over 6 months and permitted outdoor testing during the COVID‐19 pandemic along with COVID testing. 13%–14% of individuals were lost to follow‐up after the rapid test, and another 62%–66% failed to come in for their consultation. One stop testing and treatment did not result in a statistically increase in retention and lack of patient awareness of viral hepatitis was identified as a key factor. Despite training, there were large differences between GPs and patients initiating treatment. Conclusions The current study demonstrated the feasibility of large‐scale general population screening and task shifting in low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, such programs need to be proceeded by awareness campaign to minimize loss to follow up. In addition, multiple trainings are needed for GPs to bolster their skills to talk to patients about treatment.