The new National Pandemic Plan Switzerland is online
The federal government has published its new National Pandemic Plan. The NRP 80 contributed to the chapters dealing with the impacts of a pandemic on health, society, and the economy.
At the beginning of July 2025, the federal government published its completely revised version of the National Pandemic Plan. The document is available online and serves as a planning basis for the authorities in the event of a future pandemic. Unlike previous versions, it is not limited to influenza, but also covers other pathogens. The new Pandemic Plan also addresses new topics such as dealing with the consequences of a pandemic, regardless of whether these are health-related, economic or social in nature. The new plan replaces the 2018 version.
The digital platform enables continuous updates
One of the most important changes in the new version is its digital format, which replaces the paper version. The new Pandemic Plan can now be viewed via an online platform, providing quick and easy access to all interested parties. The new format also allows for regular updates based on new scientific findings.
The revision was carried out collaboratively and participatively
The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Federal Commission for Pandemic Preparedness (FCP) jointly revised the Swiss National Pandemic Plan. They also worked with experts from the Conference of Cantonal Health Directors (GDK) and several external organisations, including the National Research Programme 'Covid-19 in Society' (NRP 80).
In spring 2025, the FOPH and the FCP submitted a working version of the new Pandemic Plan for consultation. Within this framework, NRP 80 organised a workshop attended by around thirty researchers from the National Research Programme, who formulated specific recommendations for the following chapters (only available in German, French, Italian):
- Kommunikation (Communication),
- Chancengerechtigkeit (Equal opportunities),
- soziale und wirtschaftliche Auswirkungen (Social and economic impacts).
The NRP 80 has particularly emphasised the need to consider the health (mental health), economic and social impacts of a pandemic.
Close monitoring of the work by NFP 80
The NRP 80 has been working on the revision of the Pandemic Plan since autumn 2023. The FCP is one of the stakeholders in the National Research Programme and has kept researchers informed about the progress of the work. The final research results of NRP 80 are expected by early 2027 and will be integrated into the Pandemic Plan thanks to the new online format.
A non-binding but indispensable document
Although the National Pandemic Plan is not legally binding, it forms a strategic foundation for the management of health crises. It is based on the Epidemics Act (EpidA), which is currently being revised, and is intended to serve as a guide for the preparations and measures taken by the federal authorities, the cantons, the municipalities and other actors.