Community response to COVID-19 pandemic and the future of global health A model to support higher education partnership

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has created challenges for individuals, communities, and countries of the world especially around health care. While various scholarly studies have provided recommendations to governments and international organizations on how to curb the spread of the pandemic, there is a dearth of research pertaining to how partnerships and engagement between higher education institutions (HEIs) and communities could help prevent the spread of the pandemic. To address this knowledge and practice gap, this chapter examines a model for partnerships and engagement between local communities and HEIs that is also aimed at creating a sustainable approach towards good health and individual well-being. The model shows how the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) interfaces with sustainable development goal three – good health and well-being to increase community awareness and prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the model shows how HEIs could serve as major role players in the global effort towards curbing the spread of the pandemic through the development of learning content for community members, creation of conducive learning environments (through blended modes), focusing on societal transformation post-COVID-19, and empowering people to be health conscious.