Pandemic lessons learned and future public health strategies

This article explores the significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia since 2020 and reflects on important lessons for preparedness and response to future emergent infectious diseases or pandemics. It highlights the importance of One Health as a framework for pandemic preparedness; near-real time surveillance data to inform responses; and the critical place of equity considerations in planning, preparedness, response and recovery. The role of crisis communication and engagement is explored, noting the significant place of local engagement, informed by local epidemiological data and local communication needs and priorities of diverse communities.