The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) Decision Navigator, a first-of-its-kind guidance framework to help governments make evidence-based, equitable, and transparent decisions on public-health and social measures during health emergencies. Published on 6 October 2025, the Navigator draws on lessons from COVID-19 and other crises where rapid but high-impact decisions—such as school closures, quarantines, travel restrictions, and mask mandates—required balancing health benefits with social and economic costs.
The framework provides a structured, adaptable decision pathway that supports governments in assessing public-health risks, evaluating trade-offs, incorporating ethical and equity considerations, and updating measures as evidence evolves. Designed to be threat-agnostic, it can guide responses to any outbreak or emergency. WHO emphasises that sound PHSM decisions must integrate scientific evidence, community engagement, and institutional accountability, strengthening national preparedness and public trust.
For India, the Navigator offers a reference framework to refine its Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan, enhancing coordination among central and state agencies while embedding evidence-informed, equitable crisis governance.
What is the PHSM Decision Navigator?
A WHO-developed guidance framework that assists policymakers in designing, prioritising, and adjusting public-health and social measures during crises. It helps ensure that actions are proportionate, context-sensitive, and grounded in transparent, ethical reasoning.
Follow the full news here:
https://www.who.int/news/item/06-10-2025-who-publishes-first-of-its-kind-guidance-to-support-government-decision-making-on-public-health-and-social-measures
