The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed infectious diseases to the top of government agendas around the world. Simultaneously, Brexit has influenced how the UK, and therefore Wales collaborates with international partners on infectious diseases.
Timelines for Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic overlapped, many post-Brexit arrangements were still in development. The next international public health emergency will test the new systems in Wales/the UK.
Brexit has been shown to have the potential to impact on the health and well-being of the Welsh population and is therefore a consideration in the context of infectious disease prevention, preparedness and response.
This briefing explores how the UK’s exit from the EU has changed its international relationships and processes for dealing with future infectious disease threats.