Health Research Policy and Systems (Nov 2022)

How can health technology assessment support our response to public health emergencies?

  • Aparna Ananthakrishnan,
  • Alia Cynthia Gonzales Luz,
  • Sarin KC,
  • Leslie Ong,
  • Cecilia Oh,
  • Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai,
  • Saudamini Vishwanath Dabak,
  • Yot Teerawattananon,
  • Hugo C. Turner

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-022-00925-z
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract Public health emergencies (PHEs), such as the COVID-19 crisis, are threats to global health and public order. We recommend that countries bolster their PHE responses by investing in health technology assessment (HTA), defined as a systematic process of gathering pertinent information on and evaluating health technologies from a medical, economic, social and ethical standpoint. We present examples of how HTA organizations in low- and middle-income countries have adapted to supporting PHE-related decisions during COVID-19 and describe the ways HTA can help the response to a PHE. In turn, we advocate for HTA capacity to be further developed globally and for increased institutional acceptance of these methods as a building block for preparedness and response to future PHEs. Finally, the long-term potential of HTA in strengthening health systems and embedding confidence and transparency into scientific policy should be recognized.

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