Publication: Frontline: Preparing Healthcare Systems for Shocks from Disasters to Pandemics
Date
2021-04-12
ISSN
Published
2021-04-12
Author(s)
Abstract
Healthcare systems are at the frontline
of delivering critical care during emergencies. Yet, already
before the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries were struggling
to meet even routine demands for health care. Climate
change, disasters, pandemics, and demographic changes will
increase pressures on already strained health systems. To
strengthen the resilience of health systems to shocks and
pressures, this note outlines five principles and priority
areas for action. (1) Foundations: Building the capacity of
health systems to effectively manage routine demands is a
prerequisite for increasing their resilience to shocks. (2)
Health care facilities: Facilities must be prepared to meet
surge demand during emergencies and protected against
shocks, such as earthquakes or floods. (3) Health care
systems: Coordinated regional and system-level responses and
flexible solutions are key during emergencies. (4) National
emergency management: Crisis response by the health sector
must be coordinated with emergency management systems,
including civil protection and risk financing. (5) Quality
infrastructure: Resilient water, electricity, transport, and
digital systems are essential for effective health services.
The principles presented in this note can help to better
prepare health systems to respond to a wide range of shocks,
from seasonal demand surges, to pandemics, climate change,
and disasters.
Citation
“Rentschler, Jun; Klaiber, Christoph; Tariverdi, Mersedeh; Desjonqueres, Chloe; Mercadante, Jared. 2021. Frontline : Preparing Healthcare Systems for Shocks from Disasters to Pandemics. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35429 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”