Preparing for Future Shocks: Building Resilient Health Systems

This framework is an evolving concept that has been influenced by various disciplines, including engineering and psychology. The Rockefeller Foundation's City Resilience Framework (2014) is one example of a resiliency framework that has been applied to health systems. The capacity of health actors, institutions, and populations to prepare for and respond to crises is critical to building resilient health systems. This involves planning roles for the global health system, making laws and policies for response and accountability, and developing a strong and committed health workforce. When a crisis strikes, a vigorous public health response and proactive healthcare delivery system are essential to mitigate its impact. The resilience dividend refers to the benefits that can be achieved through building resilient health systems. In times of crisis, resilient health systems can save lives and protect livelihoods. In times of calm, they can contribute to healthier people and stronger nations. Key elements of resilient health systems include up-to-date mapping of human, physical, and information assets, strategic information and epidemiological surveillance, and awareness of health threats before they strike. Building awareness is a critical component of resilient health systems. This involves detecting health threats before they strike, delivering a range of services with universal health coverage, preventing health disruptions from turning into disasters, and rapidly deploying resources from beyond the health system. The Ebola outbreak in West Africa highlighted the need for building awareness and capacity to address public health threats. Investments in building capacity of national and regional disease surveillance systems and response, strengthening routine data reporting and mapping, and integrating mobile data platforms can help to build awareness and prevent health crises. Diversity is another key element of resilient health systems. This involves delivering a range of services with universal health coverage, preventing health disruptions from turning into disasters, and rapidly deploying resources from beyond the health system. The post-conflict situation in Afghanistan highlighted the need for building diversity in service delivery platforms that offer an essential package of services and can respond to unexpected problems. Partnerships to create diverse service delivery platforms can help to build diversity and improve health outcomes. In addition to awareness and diversity, self-regulation, integration, and adaptability are also critical components of resilient health systems. Self-regulation involves preventing health disruptions from turning into disasters, while integration involves rapidly deploying resources from beyond the health system. Adaptability involves rebounding from shocks stronger than before. By building these components, health systems can become more resilient and better equipped to respond to crises and improve health outcomes.