Adapted from the terminology of disaster risk reduction, health system resilience can be defined as “The ability of a health system exposed to a shock to resist, absorb, accommodate and recover from the effects of the shock in a timely and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions through risk management.” Resilience is not merely a matter of system strengthening, preparedness for response or recovery; it includes all of these concerns in an interrelated and interdependent way along with interconnectedness with communities and non-health stakeholders within the same geopolitical boundaries and beyond.
Building resilient health systems requires a holistic approach to health system development and the engagement of government at all levels, as well as civil society organizations, the private sector and local communities. Working towards resilience thus provides a unique forum for collaboration of different health system elements and public health functions in furtherance of “WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work 2019–2023” (GPW 13) and attainment of the health-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Health system resilience as a prerequisite for universal health coverage (UHC) and health security is recognized in the key strategic documents that guide WHO’s work in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, notably “WHO’s strategy for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2020–2023: turning Vision 2023 into action”.
In collaboration with the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE), HSEL works with countries to align interventions to strengthen health systems with the findings and recommendations of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) joint external evaluations and national action plan for health security initiatives.
HSEL also collaborates with WHE to design and implement the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) that aims to adopt a holistic approach to building national capacities in preparing for priority public health threats. This includes investing in resilient health systems and more.
Related links
Essential public health functions, health systems and health security
Strategic Partnership for Health Security and Emergency Preparedness (SPH) Portal
Contact us
Dr Ali Ardalan
Regional Adviser and Head of Health systems in Emergencies
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