HSRC
The Health Systems & Response Connector (HSRC), co-led by the Global Fund, WHO and the World Bank, and supported by UNICEF, ensures all countries have the necessary technical, operational and financial resources to translate new COVID-19 tools into national response interventions to stop transmission and save lives.
Achievements
Procuring over US$ 764 million worth of personal protective equipment
IMPACT STORY: ZAMBIA
In April 2021, WHO and Canada signed a global grant for a contribution of US$ 78.5m to the Health Systems and Response Connector Implementation, of which WHO Zambia received an allocation of US$ 674,385.
The funding has so far seen WHO Zambia conduct the first and second round frontline health service capacity and readiness assessment of 253 health facilities and 50 health posts in COVID-19 case management capacity, continuity of essential health services, community needs, perceptions, COVID-19 prevention and care, and health service resilience. The grant has also enabled WHO and Global Fund to support the Ministry of Health (MoH) to conduct a harmonized health facility assessment in 3229 health facilities.
IMPACT STORY: CABO VERDE
Located 500 kilometers off the coast of West Africa, Cabo Verde is a 10 island archipelago. With its sandy beaches and strategic location, the country enjoys unique natural heritage and is rife with economic potential. It has reduced poverty more than any other African nation since 1990 and has witnessed significant economic progress during this time, driven in large part by the rapid development of tourism.
When COVID-19 hit, the closure of Cabo Verde’s borders to prevent the virus from spreading took a toll on people’s lives and livelihoods. Tourism suddenly stopped and many Cabo Verdeans lost their job.
News about a vaccine gave hope for the summer season of 2021.
However, the fragmentation of Cabo Verde’s territory creates significant connectivity issues, as well as challenges for service delivery. Delivering vaccines to more than 400,000 people spread across 10 islands is not small endeavor.
Thanks to a strong health system and a sound supply strategy, Cabo Verde became a model for COVID-19 response, with a lot to teach its neighbors on how to carry out vaccination campaigns.
