Resource Digest on Pandemics, Public Health and Economic Prosperity

Series: Health and Education Series

This Resource Digest on ‘Pandemics, Public Health and Economic Prosperity’ contains policy recommendations based on in-depth research on how Sri Lanka can respond effectively to public health concerns in the age of pandemics. It is intended for policymakers and other public and private sector stakeholders, as well as the general public to gain insights into the key issues that need to be addressed, and outlines prevention and mitigation strategies to protect public health and foster economic growth.

The Resource Digest is presented in three parts: (1) Responding to COVID-19 Impacts; (2) Controlling the Tobacco Epidemic; and (3) The COVID-19 and Tobacco Nexus. The COVID-19 and tobacco containment efforts can yield significant economic and social benefits for the country as a whole. With all its multifaceted challenges, COVID-19 represents a unique moment to ‘Build Back Better’ and divert Sri Lanka’s limited resources to where it is most needed.