Pandemic Preparedness strategy published

Source: DHSC, 25 March 2026

The Department of Health and Social Care published the Pandemic Preparedness Strategy, outlining the government’s ambition for pandemic preparedness to 2030, and shows how the government is embedding lessons from COVID-19 and the UK COVID-19 Inquiry into our approach to preparedness.

The strategy also draws from early findings from Exercise Pegasus, which tested UK preparedness and involved all regions and nations. A full Pegasus report will be published in Winter 2026.

The aim of the Strategy is to protect the health of the population and reduce wider impacts on society, by progressively improving our pandemic preparedness capabilities between now and 2030. The Strategy sets out five strategic goals, each underpinned by clearly defined outcomes and actions to drive progress in pandemic readiness.

The release of this Strategy reflects an updated governmental commitment to enhancing pandemic resilience and replaces the 2011 UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy.

The strategy includes an indicative implementation timeline. DHSC and partners will be working with the Cabinet Office and other government departments to further refine its implementation plan including through engagement more widely with stakeholders.