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Scenario planning is an alternative to traditional strategic planning that evaluates a variety of tactics that can be used in response to multiple potential futures or circumstances. Researchers here focus on a scenario planning model that helps determine a variety of strategies in the context of inevitably uncertain health care needs in the pandemic era.

Health Equity Guide developed this set of adaptable strategic practices for local health departments with the recognition that advancing health equity requires strategic planning at both an internal level within one’s own organization and through external collaborations. Guidance on how to establish these internal and collaborative plans is shared.

This resource provides an overview of strategic planning in public health. It defines strategic planning and outlines key steps involved in the strategic planning process. These steps include conducting a situation analysis, defining the mission and vision of the organization, setting goals and objectives, developing strategies and action plans, and monitoring and evaluating progress. The site also discusses some of the challenges that can arise during strategic planning and provides some tips for successful implementation.

Effective strategic planning involves establishing priorities, creating clear road maps for implementation, getting broad input and support, aligning with other plans and assessments, and monitoring and revising the plan as necessary. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) created this guide to help state and territorial public health agencies develop effective strategic plans that address their chief public health needs and allow them to adapt to changing environments. The guide includes four elements: mission, vision, and values; a high-level strategic plan and priorities; more detailed work plans; and evaluation and monitoring of the strategic plan.

This article discusses an academic-health department community partnership that was developed to expand disease investigation and contact tracing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership involved a local county health department and a local university, which collaborated to address the lack of workforce capacity and technology needed for efficient disease control measures. The program added 108 contact tracers to the county’s public health workforce and enabled remote work using a call center app and secure cloud-based platform. The article outlines the requirements for developing the program, such as hiring, health data security protocols, and data source management, and shares lessons learned from the partnership. The innovative program improved disease investigation and contact tracing efforts, allowing for better control of the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

“In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Indigenous population, known as Māori, carries a disproportionate burden of disease compared to the settler population. The Treaty of Waitangi, a national treaty negotiated between Māori and the British Crown, guarantees Māori sovereignty, protects their interests, and promotes their well-being. It is considered central to ethical public health and health promotion practices in the country but its application is variable. The article underscores the significance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and leadership into public health curricula to address health inequities and decolonize the field. It calls for a shift towards prioritizing Indigenous perspectives, values, and frameworks, and fostering meaningful relationships between communities, educators, and Indigenous peoples.
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Strategic plans are key for helping local health departments understand where they are headed and how to get there. The National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) created this step-by-step local public health strategic planning guide. It explains the importance of strategic planning, identifies key stakeholders who should be involved, and provides an overview of the planning process. It also includes practical tips on conducting a community needs assessment, setting goals and objectives, and developing action plans. The guide emphasizes the importance of engaging the community, evaluating progress, and adapting the plan over time to ensure its continued effectiveness.

The article discusses a World Health Organization (WHO) Special Initiative focused on reducing health inequities through action on the social determinants of health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Initiative aims to develop models and practices that can be adopted by WHO offices and UN staff to advance health equity. The article notes the importance of addressing structural determinants of health equity, such as institutional rules, policies, culture, and values, and highlights the need for multisectoral action. The Initiative focuses on strengthening knowledge and narratives, promoting action in Pathfinder countries, and enhancing networks of policy champions, academics, health workers, and communities. The strategic actions include strengthening knowledge, supporting community participation, and promoting collaboration for addressing structural determinants of health equity. Themes for action include as reducing precariousness in informal economy employment, improving income and food security, ensuring adequate housing and social services, and guaranteeing employment and sick leave.

This commentary discusses the importance of inclusive health systems strengthening in promoting equity during health emergencies, using the example of disability inclusion in the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the increased risks faced by persons with disabilities during the pandemic and the barriers they encounter in accessing healthcare. It emphasizes the need for accessible and comprehensive health emergency preparedness and response plans that consider the needs of persons with disabilities. It also explores strategies for disability inclusion in COVID-19 responses, such as producing accessible public health information and involving organizations of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Opportunities to strengthen inclusion and equity in COVID-19 responses include equitable access to telehealth and inclusive decision-making processes.

This article discusses the challenges of contact tracing among people experiencing homelessness. It suggests combining the traditional person-based approaches to contact tracing with location-based contact tracing approaches when conducting investigations among unhoused individuals. Location-based approaches collect data on the places people have visited in the past 48 hours, rather than the individuals with whom they interacted. Facility-wide testing and resources can be provided in locations where someone accessed support services.