COVID: Protecting Health and Health Systems

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There is no “one size fits all” approach to the COVID-19 response. Health systems in many developing countries lack the capacity and resources of rich countries, leaving them unable to provide life-saving treatment or necessary protections for frontline health workers. And when it comes to daily life, many poor countries struggle with the same challenge: balancing livelihoods and the spread of COVID-19. Our experts have analyzed the potential impact of government responses, such as lockdowns and social distancing, on public health in these countries long term.  

From the outset of the COVID-19 outbreak, CGD experts have emphasized the importance of health system preparedness, increased testing, and context-based response. But they’ve also been talking about something else on everyone’s mind: vaccines. From development to distribution, CGD has provided recommendations to ensure vaccines are available where they’re needed most. CGD experts are focused on leveraging the "missing middle"—the private sector and middle-income countries, as well as developed economies. Read about their proposal for a benefits-based advanced market commitment (BBAMC), written alongside colleagues from the Office of Health Economics and PATH.