Preparing Now For The Next Health Emergencies - MENAFN.COM

When the virus was at its peak, many low- and middle-income countries struggled to save lives while sustaining essential medical services such as maternal healthcare, routine childhood immunisation and the treatment of non-communicable diseases.

Our $34 billion global health portfolio includes more than 240 projects that help countries take a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes, especially for poor and vulnerable people, by strengthening primary care and key public-health functions.

The newly created Pandemic Fund is an additional tool to fill critical gaps by helping channel much-needed financial support to developing countries as they shore up prevention and response measures and improve readiness before the next health crisis.

Around the world, robust health governance and strong public-health institutions, backed by stable legal and regulatory frameworks, will be crucial to ensure evidence-based decision-making and crisis planning.

Countries will also need to create fiscal space and attract and use external resources wisely, with the understanding that investing in integrated and resilient systems will deliver the greatest impact.

The most cost-effective investments strengthen public-health functions, health promotion, disease prevention and primary healthcare services, thereby minimising disruptions when shocks hit.