Strengthening health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to future pandemics: an innovative approach to implementing and systematically monitoring and evaluating the National Action Plan for Health Security

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need to strengthen national health systems to better manage public health threats. The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) helps countries implement the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) by building essential health security capacities. However, fragmented reporting and low prioritization hinder progress. To improve outcomes, systematic monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are essential for tracking progress, identifying gaps, and guiding decisions. Integrating real-time data, cross-sector coordination, and performance indicators into a unified M&E system enhances accountability and resource use. Institutionalizing NAPHS M&E across all IHR stakeholders and aligning it with national agendas will improve pandemic preparedness. The paper urges stronger political will, capacity building, and investment in health security monitoring to ensure resilience against future pandemics.