AUTHOR=Nadareishvili Ilia , Zhulina Ana , Tskitishvili Aleksandre , Togonidze Gvantsa , Bloom David E. , Lunze Karsten 

TITLE=The Approach to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Georgia—A Health Policy Analysis

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=67

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604410

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2022.1604410

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objectives:</bold> This study aimed to analyze key COVID-19 pandemic-related policies and national strategic responses in light of Georgia’s political, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> We applied a policy triangle framework for policy analysis, performed document and media content analysis, and described pandemic trends statistically.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Early introduction of stringent restrictive measures largely prevented a first wave in March–May 2020. This was communicated as a success story, prompting a public success perception. With unpopular restrictions lifted and hesitancy to embrace evidence-informed policymaking ahead of nationwide parliamentary elections, SARS-CoV-2 infection spread rapidly and was met with an insufficiently coordinated effort. Facing health system capacity saturation an almost complete lockdown was re-introduced in late 2020. Factors as delayed immunization campaign, insufficient coordination and, again, little evidence-informed policymaking eventually led to another devastating COVID-19 wave in summer of 2021.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Georgia’s pandemic health policy response was adversely impacted by a volatile political environment. National pandemic preparedness and response might benefit from an independent body with appointment procedures and operations shielded from political influences to effectively inform and communicate evidence-based pandemic policy.</p>