Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the fragility of the public health systems that we take for granted. As the virulence of the pandemic begins to abate across much of the world, how exposed – or prepared – are counties for the impact of war, economic sanctions, political isolation and new migratory patterns on existing health structures and systems? 

 As England moves towards the establishment of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) later in 2022, opportunities are emerging for NHS organisations to collaborate more closely on system-wide challenges that can have a substantial, but indirect effect on health and wellbeing, such as climate change. 

Since Omicron was first located just over a week ago – first reported to be found in South Africa, although reports have suggested that the variant was present in the Netherlands earlier than this – several countries have stepped up and responded quickly to reduce international travel and reintroduce domestic restrictions.