The measles outbreak in Israel in 2018-19: lessons for COVID-19 pandemic

Figures & data

Figure 1. COVID-19 cases (columns) and mortality (line) by month, Israel, March-November 2020

Table 1. Key lessons from the measles outbreak in Israel for the COVID-19 pandemic response and vaccination program

1. Health promotion, social-based approach together with communities, tailored to population needs.

2. Proper ongoing investment in public health human resources, according to population needs.

3. Tackling the root causes of inequalities: education, employment, access to health care.

4. Emphasis on trust and solidarity, rather than a biological notion -’ Social vaccine’

5. Transparent communication, culturally appropriate, with the people, by the people

6. Political will and leadership for the protection of public health is essential, against competing interests.

7. Decision-making based on surveillance and epidemiology at the local, regional, and national levels.