The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the vulnerabilities of cities and urban settings to outbreaks and other health emergencies.  On behalf of WHE’s Health Security Preparedness (HSP) and the Health Security Partnership of SPH, we are pleased to share with you the interim guidance for local authorities titled “Strengthening Preparedness for COVID-19 in Cities and Urban Settings.” We would like to express our thanks to all our partners particularly the local city authorities including the mayors, as well as other key donors and partners for their valuable inputs and participation with our survey COVID-19 Urban Setting.

The document aims to support local authorities, leaders and policy-makers in cities and other urban settlements in identifying effective approaches and implementing recommended actions that enhance the prevention, preparedness and readiness for COVID-19 in urban settings, so as to ensure a robust response and eventual recovery. It covers factors unique to cities and urban settings, considerations in urban preparedness, key areas of focus and the need to also prepare for future emergencies.

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The document can be found here.

In addition, to assist local authorities in their preparedness efforts, we have also developed, with special thanks to WHO AFRO colleagues for their inputs and the UN Habitat, a Simulation Exercise package for urban settings. The purpose is to facilitate discussions around critical issues in urban environments addressing different phases of the pandemic. The simulation exercise can be found here.

Urban preparedness for health emergencies is an important topic for national and global health security.  We have received requests from local authorities across the globe for launching Global Cities Network for Health Security Preparedness collaboration.  We will be organizing very a series of COVID-19 Urban setting virtual meetings and webinars.

For any further question regarding this strategic partnership please contact: Ludy Suryantoro and Marc Ho