Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID19 pandemic has devastated the entire globe with an astounding death toll and various forms of human suffering worldwide. In its wake, it has uncovered serious flaws and shortcomings in healthcare systems and beyond. Objective: The objective of this perspective is to highlight the lessons learned from the catastrophic pandemic and propose recommendations for optimal future preparedness. Methods: Current literature was reviewed to identify common and serious challenges faced during and in the process of instituting solutions for addressing the COVID19 pandemic. Results: The uncovered challenges appear to be similar in various countries across the globe, clearly demonstrating universal patterns in lack of preparedness. This spanned critical shortage in healthcare facilities, equipment, consumables and staffing along with technological gaps needs to keep up with the emerging needs. There are also major obstacles impeding the rapid development and implementation of diagnostics and therapeutics, and in addition, public awareness and international collaborations are immature to effectively handle the crisis. Conclusion: Fortunately many of these shortfalls lend themselves to intervention, however country- specific strategies must be preplanned with proactive readiness for rapid implementation during crisis situations. These go beyond readiness with physical space, essential equipment and consumables, and further involve proper capacity and manpower planning as well as local and global coordinated communication and cooperative collaborations. Moreover, self-sufficiency and sustainability are key to ensure the continuous provision of essential supplies and other needs. COVID19 has taught us that the world could never be too ready or prepared for such unexpected future events.