Learning from COVID-19: a systems approach for public health governance

Abstract

The COVID-19 rapidly evolved into a global pandemic. Countries have taken measures widely to prevent and control the epidemic. China for example, has control the spread effectively, while many countries are still striving to cope with the increasing COVID-19 confirmed cases. The epidemic revealed serious problems of public health governance in many countries with long lasting social and economic consequences. This commentary reviews the pandemic response measures in five selected countries: China, Italy, the United States, Brazil and India. Building on critical reflections on the problems incurred in each country's pandemic responses, we provide a theoretical framework to reconceptualize public health as multiple types of economic goods. We further couple this reconceptualization with a systems approach to public health and wellbeing to offer new thinking on health governance. Finally, we propose suggestions for better, preventative and comprehensive epidemic prevention and health governance in an increasing urban future.