PD 12 - How to Combine Health Systems Resilience with the Health Equity Agenda

Both health systems resilience and health equity are key for an effective and efficient response to crises such as COVID-19. If a health system is unable to withstand the pressures from a shock, it may cease to function or collapse, leaving in particular the most vulnerable at risk.

Therefore an urgent need for global and national commitment for sustained progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health security is essential combined with a consistent commitment to equity. This requires an integrated approach to building and rebuilding health systems that serve the needs of the population, before, during and after public health emergencies. Adjustments to long-term changes, continuous learning, essential public health functions, strong primary health, all-hazards emergency risk management and engaging the whole-of-society are required.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued seven policy recommendations on building resilient health systems based on primary health care and WHO’s health inequality monitoring provides an evidence base for equity-oriented policies, programs and practices aimed at closing existing gaps.