Sustainability of Public Health Services in Times of Crisis: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Session

Medicine and Nursing

Description

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges and weaknesses of health systems worldwide, particularly in the field of public health. The capacity of services to ensure continuous and equitable access for the population was tested in an unprecedented way. Analyzing these experiences is essential for building more sustainable and resilient systems against future crises. Aim To analyze the key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the sustainability of public health services and to identify successful strategies that can be institutionalized for coping with future emergencies. Methodology A literature review was conducted using scientific sources and reports from national and international institutions (Ministry of Health of Kosovo, WHO, ECDC, CDC) published during the period 2020–2024. Studies on healthcare service management, public policies, and sustainability practices during crises were included. Results The findings show that countries with flexible public health systems, continuous investment in epidemiological surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration were able to maintain essential services more effectively during the pandemic. Digital technologies, transparent communication, and community engagement were identified as key factors of sustainability. However, shortages of human and financial resources, dependency on imported medicines, and lack of institutional coordination were major barriers. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic provides valuable lessons for strengthening public health services. To enhance sustainability, continuous investment in infrastructure, human capacities, and technology is required, as well as the development of integrated mechanisms for rapid response. Sustainability should not be perceived as an emergency reaction but as a permanent component of health systems.

Keywords:

Public health, pandemic, COVID-19

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.372

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Sustainability of Public Health Services in Times of Crisis: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges and weaknesses of health systems worldwide, particularly in the field of public health. The capacity of services to ensure continuous and equitable access for the population was tested in an unprecedented way. Analyzing these experiences is essential for building more sustainable and resilient systems against future crises. Aim To analyze the key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the sustainability of public health services and to identify successful strategies that can be institutionalized for coping with future emergencies. Methodology A literature review was conducted using scientific sources and reports from national and international institutions (Ministry of Health of Kosovo, WHO, ECDC, CDC) published during the period 2020–2024. Studies on healthcare service management, public policies, and sustainability practices during crises were included. Results The findings show that countries with flexible public health systems, continuous investment in epidemiological surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration were able to maintain essential services more effectively during the pandemic. Digital technologies, transparent communication, and community engagement were identified as key factors of sustainability. However, shortages of human and financial resources, dependency on imported medicines, and lack of institutional coordination were major barriers. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic provides valuable lessons for strengthening public health services. To enhance sustainability, continuous investment in infrastructure, human capacities, and technology is required, as well as the development of integrated mechanisms for rapid response. Sustainability should not be perceived as an emergency reaction but as a permanent component of health systems.