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Description
The project is needed because of the lack of an agenda for efficient implementation of policies to contain and mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 that is based on empirically established and verified knowledge of the problems faced by the citizens. The lack of a systematic and consistent approach also results in another significant drawback, namely preventing the implemented policies from being efficient and adequate. The main goal of the project is to design a scientifically-based approach to policy-making to fight the pandemic. The project fulfills its specific goal insofar as it envisages sociological surveys to determine the citizens’ experience, risks, needs and evaluate the measures and policies. The project goal is in line with the thematic priority by promoting the development of a democratic culture and involvement in the process. A problem is addressed related to the chaotic formulation of social, economic and health measures to fight the pandemic. The opportunity for a dialogue between citizens and institutions by means of surveys and analyses is a step towards improving the culture of democracy and overcoming the crisis of representation. The project provides the institutions with an opportunity to streamline and create policies tailored to the citizens’ demands by means of a report with recommendations which will be prepared based on the surveys. The project users and target groups are the general public and politicians.
Summary of project results
The main goal of the project was to create a research-based approach to formulating the anti-Pandemic policies. In this regard, two studies were conducted – a quantitative (online survey) and a qualitative (focus groups, including with people at risk of severe COVID-19 disease and socially vulnerable groups) studies to establish the experience of citizens, the risks associated with living in a pandemic, the needs and requirements, as well as evaluation of measures and policies, etc. to neutralize the negative effects of the pandemic. The analyzes of the conducted studies were sent to the attention of the institutions responsible for the implementation of policies to counter the pandemic (ministries, district administrations, municipalities), as well as to representatives of the general public and civil society organizations.