Good Governance in a Pandemic

By Keiji Fukuda | 12 March 2021

The enormity of the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled us to reflect on the effectiveness of our systems of governance. Governments around the world have been confronted with the challenge of controlling a public health emergency while respecting democratic rights and freedoms. Keiji Fukuda is a public health expert who has led global responses against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Ebola, and various influenza outbreaks. Drawing on decades of research and groundwork, he reflects on how good governance and leadership can help us tackle the ongoing crisis.

 
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About the Expert

Keiji Fukuda is Director and Clinical Professor at The University of Hong Kong School of Public Health. He previously was the Assistant Director-General for health security, a Special Adviser to the Director General for pandemic influenza and for antimicrobial resistance and was Director of the Influenza Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. Before that, he worked at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the Epidemiology Section Chief, Influenza Branch.

He has been a global public health leader in many areas including health security and personally has led numerous field investigations, global responses and diplomatic negotiations related to emerging infectious diseases including seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza, SARS, MERS, Ebola and antimicrobial resistance. At WHO, he oversaw implementation of the International Health Regulations and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework. He is an adviser to the Hong Kong Government for COVID-19.

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Here are the top three questions on Keiji Fukuda’s mind at this moment:

  • What should the public expect from their government when major outbreaks occur?

  • Why were countries so poorly prepared for COVID-19?

  • What key steps should we start with now to do better in the future?

You've heard his responses, and now we'd like to hear yours. Write to us using Keiji Fukuda’s questions as writing prompts and we may showcase your submission on our website! Click the link below for more information.