Sweden’s public health response to COVID-19: a qualitative study building on a realist approach

While Sweden's public health response was effective in several areas, it faced challenges due to decentralization, voluntary non-pharmaceutical interventions, and workforce burnout. The realist approach highlights the importance of context-sensitive mechanisms such as trust and cooperation, and the need for stronger coordination and tailored strategies for vulnerable populations. These findings provide valuable insights for strengthening public health systems and pandemic preparedness globally.