Transitioning the COVID-19 response in the WHO African region: a proposed framework for rethinking and rebuilding health systems

Abstract

The onset of the pandemic revealed the health system inequities and inadequate preparedness, especially in the African continent. Over the past months, African countries have ensured optimum pandemic response. However, there is still a need to build further resilient health systems that enhance response and transition from the acute phase of the pandemic to the recovery interpandemic/preparedness phase. Guided by the lessons learnt in the response and plausible pandemic scenarios, the WHO Regional Office for Africa has envisioned a transition framework that will optimise the response and enhance preparedness for future public health emergencies. The framework encompasses maintaining and consolidating the current response capacity but with a view to learning and reshaping them by harnessing the power of science, data and digital technologies, and research innovations. In addition, the framework reorients the health system towards primary healthcare and integrates response into routine care based on best practices/health system interventions. These elements are significant in building a resilient health system capable of addressing more effectively and more effectively future public health crises, all while maintaining an optimal level of essential public health functions. The key elements of the framework are possible with countries following three principles: equity (the protection of all vulnerable populations with no one left behind), inclusiveness (full engagement, equal participation, leadership, decision-making and ownership of all stakeholders using a multisectoral and transdisciplinary, One Health approach), and coherence (to reduce the fragmentation, competition and duplication and promote logical, consistent programmes aligned with international instruments).

Keywords: COVID-19; Prevention strategies; Public Health; SARS.

Figure 1

Weekly trend of COVID-19 number of cases and deaths in the WHO African Region (Data as of 24 May 2022) Data source: https://covid19.who.int/

Figure 2

Global share of people who have completed the initial COVID-19 vaccination protocol. (The share of people who completed the initial COVID-19 vaccination protocol is defined as the total number of people who received all doses prescribed by the initial vaccination protocol, divided by the country's total population and the data from Our World in Data: https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations, accessed on 27 May, 2022.

Figure 3

The proposed framework on transitioning towards resilient health systems to respond better to public health emergencies.