This special issue addresses the complex challenges posed by the pandemic. It calls for papers that explore the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19 on health systems, policy responses, and societal changes. The issue emphasizes the need for a multidimensional approach to understand and manage the virus’s evolution, public health measures, and the resulting social and economic consequences. It seeks contributions that offer insights into sustainable long-term strategies for pandemic preparedness, emphasizing research that can inform future policy-making and improve global health governance.