2024-05-23-世界卫生组织-PHSM_information_flyer_2页_369kb

Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) in Health Emergencies

Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) are non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented by individuals, communities, and governments during health emergencies to reduce infectious disease transmission by minimizing exposure risks. PHSM, such as hand washing, mask use, physical distancing, and business closures, are often the first response when vaccines or therapeutics are unavailable, playing a critical role throughout emergencies.

However, PHSM can lead to unintended negative consequences like unemployment, interrupted education, domestic violence, and slowed economic productivity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This highlights the need for social protection policies.

The WHO recognizes PHSM as life-saving interventions sometimes being the only option early in outbreaks and promotes their use alongside medical countermeasures. To address effectiveness and mitigate adverse effects, WHO has launched a PHSM initiative focused on accelerating research, improving decision-making, and working through four strategic areas:

• Global monitoring and research to enhance understanding of PHSM effectiveness, unintended outcomes, and implementation strategies.
• Harmonized research methodology and capacity-building for multistep challenges.
• Context-specific, evidence-based decision-making considering evolving factors.
• Integration of PHSM into health emergency management plans and governance at national and subnational levels.