Background and Objective:
Although Tunisia implemented a multisectoral prevention, preparedness, response and resilience plan to emerging and reemerging diseases, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the continued need to establish an effective Early Warning and Rapid Response System (EWARS) in order to better prepare for future pandemics. The objective of this study is to characterize Tunisia response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to highlight effective strategies to control outbreaks.

Methods:
An Intra-action Review (IAR) of COVID-19 response was conducted in Tunisia (June 2021 and March 2022) to identify challenges and best practices and to identify recommendations for addressing identified challenges and institutionalization of the best practices. The review covered all pillars and included more than 50 experts and stakeholders from different departments involved in COVID-19 response.

Results:
Five pillars of the successful fight against emerging and reemerging diseases and rapid response to a new outbreak to control community transmission were identified: A strong multisectoral coordination structure from the local to the national level with high political commitmentAn Electronic Integrated Surveillance System with an Early Alert SystemAn effective laboratories networking with pathogens genomic surveillanceA public health workforce adequately trained that can intensify outbreak investigation into origins and operate effective surveillance systems.A need for a strong sustainable national public health system

Conclusion:
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary coordination and the need to increase the investment global health security and public health.