From COVID-19 pandemic to mpox emergency: The power of community in protecting public global health

By guest contributor Francesco Branda

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal moment in the history of global public health, challenging health systems around the world and requiring an unprecedented community response. Now, with the emergence of mpox virus (MPXV) as a new health challenge, we once again face a defining moment that underscores the enduring importance of community-led responses in safeguarding global health. This transitional phase between two health crises highlights how community power is critical in addressing public health emergencies.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed countless examples of community mobilization: from neighbors caring for isolated elderly people, to volunteers distributing masks and basic necessities, to local organizations providing psychological support and practical assistance. These actions demonstrated that a society’s resilience in the face of a health crisis depends largely on the strength and cohesion of its communities. Now, in the face of the mpox challenge, these lessons are more valuable than ever. Communities, with their local knowledge, ability to reach the most vulnerable groups and flexibility to adapt quickly to new situations, are uniquely positioned to contribute effectively to the health response. Whether disseminating accurate information, supporting vaccination campaigns, or providing assistance to those in isolation, the role of the community remains central. In addition, the COVID-19 experience has highlighted the importance of collaboration between communities and health institutions, creating an integrated response model that can also be applied to mpox emergency management. This community approach not only improves the effectiveness of public health measures, but also helps build a more resilient society prepared for future health crises.

However, inequitable distribution and limited access to basic and essential life resources remain one of the key factors in the resurgence of major vaccine preventable diseases such as mpox in countries like Africa.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically highlighted the profound inequalities that exist in the global distribution of health resources, demonstrating that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.” This disparity is not only an ethical problem, but also poses a real threat to global public health. In high-income countries, access to vaccines, advanced therapies and state-of-the-art health facilities has been relatively rapid and widespread. In contrast, many low- and middle-income nations have struggled to obtain even the basic resources to address these crises. Africa, in particular, suffered from a severe shortage of COVID-19 vaccines in the early stages of the pandemic, and now faces similar challenges with mpox. This inequity is not limited to drugs and vaccines, but also extends to health infrastructure, personal protective equipment, and testing and tracking capabilities. The consequence of this unequal distribution is a prolongation of health crises and the emergence of new variants in areas where disease control is less effective. In addition, lack of resources in some regions has led to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases that were previously controlled.  

The experience gained during the Ebola outbreaks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent mpox epidemic offers valuable lessons that we cannot afford to forget. First, these crises have highlighted the crucial importance of early intervention. Timely identification and isolation of cases, combined with transparent and rapid communication, can significantly slow the spread of a pathogen. The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa demonstrated how delays in response can lead to catastrophic consequences. Second, the importance of a strong health infrastructure has emerged as a key element. Countries with robust and well-funded health systems have generally handled crises better. This includes not only hospitals and clinics, but also epidemiological surveillance systems, diagnostic laboratories, and networks of community health workers. International collaboration proved essential. Sharing data, resources, and expertise among countries accelerated the development of vaccines and therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health crises we have faced are not only challenges but also opportunities for meaningful change. The time has come for a decisive and global call to action. This call must resonate at all levels of society, from international institutions to national governments, from nongovernmental organizations to individual citizens. It is imperative that high-income countries take a leadership role in promoting global health equity. This involves not only significantly increasing funding for global health initiatives, but also facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge to low- and middle-income countries. The goal must be to enable these countries to develop their own capacities to produce essential vaccines, drugs and medical equipment.

A more effective early warning system and a global epidemiological surveillance network must be established to identify and respond quickly to emerging threats. National governments must commit to investing in their health systems, not only as a response to current crises, but as a long-term strategy for health resilience. This includes upgrading health infrastructure, training skilled health workers, and developing disease prevention and control systems.

The private sector, particularly the pharmaceutical industry, must be called upon to assume greater social responsibility. A new model of public-private collaboration is needed that ensures equitable access to medicines and vaccines without compromising incentives for innovation. Communities and civil society must be empowered and actively involved in health policy planning and implementation. Their participation is crucial to building trust, combating misinformation, and ensuring that health responses are culturally appropriate and effective. Finally, there is a need for a renewed commitment to global health education. Investing in health literacy can create a more knowledgeable and resilient population capable of responding effectively to future crises.

This call to action is not only a necessity, but a moral imperative. Global health is not a luxury, but a fundamental right and a prerequisite for global stability and prosperity. Only through collective and coordinated action can we hope to build a world better prepared to meet the health challenges of the future, ensuring that no one is left behind.

About the author:

Francesco Branda is a researcher at the Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, where he teaches several courses in medical statistics and data analysis. From applied AI to predictive medicine to computational epidemiology, his interests combine tech and health and are the focus of numerous scientific papers published in international journals. He founded EpiConnect Intelligence Platform, which promotes a culture of collaboration according to a One Health perspective, aiming to create an inclusive space to foster transparency in public health. For more information see: https://francescobranda.netlify.app/. He can be found on Twitter at @fbranda94

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