Reflections from the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: lessons for global health

Abstract

Trust is crucial to handling any global health crisis; the expertise and sustainability of National Public Health Institutions is the basis for trust building.

Public health requires citizens to make the right individual choices that have a positive domino effect on the general population. Communication, therefore, plays an essential role.

Public health systems must be strengthened and stronger public health systems must assist weaker ones in an act of global solidarity.

Digitalising healthcare and public health will play a fundamental role in strengthening public health systems and thus in handling future crises.