Community participation for COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response: A systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Community engagement is an integral part of any preparedness and response to an emergency. Therefore, community center approaches must be developed during public health emergency preparedness and response. The main objectives of this systematic review were to identify existing evidence of community engagement and participation in relation to COVID-19 pandemic and to better prepare for potential future outbreaks in the local context. Methods Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, and CABI. Grey literature sources included greylit.org, opengrey.eu, worldcat.org, and evidenceaid.org. Individual international organization, national government and non-governmental organization (NGO) websites were also searched, both directly and using the Google site search. Results The results of this review indicated that community engagement is very essential for the COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response. By involving communities in COVID-19 preparation and response, the health sector can avoid the emergence of cases that would worsen the pandemic. Engaging communities should play a central role in COVID-19 pandemic preparedness responses by building trust and allowing the community to enter in the system starting from the designing and planning of emergency preparedness and response. Conclusion Community engagement is very crucial for effective community response and preparedness. Concerned bodies should immediately set up specific community engagement taskforces to ensure for effective pandemic response and preparedness. It is very crucial build the capacities of local stakeholders in supporting communities to respond to different health challenges and threats. The results indicate that new approach for large-scale community engagement in future epidemics and other health emergencies.