Resilient Health Systems open call: Update and next steps
The Resilient Health Systems call closed with far more innovations submitted than we had dreamed of and what we’ve learned at this stage helps to paint a picture of how innovators are thinking about building health systems resilience through the pandemic and beyond.
It has been an amazing few weeks for the Resilient Health Systems open call which drew to a close in June. Since then, we’ve been scrutinising every submission to learn more about how health systems in Africa and South Asia can be supported to maintain essential health services at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, we received 561 submissions, far more than we expected and a really inspiring response to our call.
The first step we took was to conduct a strict eligibility review which resulted in 218 submissions being forwarded on to the first round of evaluation, coming from 188 diverse and awe-inspiring academic institutions, community-based organisations, government departments, not-for-profits, private companies, and intergovernmental organisations. Over half (56%) of the organisations submitted an innovation to strengthen the health system in their country, compared with 44% of organisations that submitted innovations to make a difference in countries other than their own.
Over half of the innovations came from organisations based in Africa and South Asia
The geographic focus of submissions was weighted toward Africa (77% of submissions) followed by South Asia (23%), with the largest number of submissions proposed for Kenya (11%), Uganda (9%), India (9%), Nigeria (8%), and Bangladesh (6%).
In assessing the submissions, we were able to see some themes in the innovations proposed to maintain essential health services. Digital health solutions dominate, with mobile health (20% of submissions) and tele-health (18%) as standout leaders among the innovations that were put forward. Health information systems (13%) and electronic health records (11%) were also a priority among the submissions. There were also a number of other great digital health solutions and programme/process innovations submitted.
What happens now?
The next step in the process is to bring the 218 eligible submissions to a stellar group of health systems and digital health experts who will give them a first review. These experts will be evaluating innovations against a set of criteria including:
- Evidence of impact
- Evidence of demand
- Adaption, Integration, and Pathway to Scale
- Digital Ecosystem (for digital health innovations)
- Sustainability / Local Ownership (for non-digital health innovations)
Top submissions will then proceed to a second round of evaluation in August, before which organisations may be contacted to provide additional information. All reviews will be completed and COVIDaction investment decisions made by the end of August.
The COVIDaction evaluation process is not the only path we are taking to support the large number of inspiring innovations. To maximise the impact of the Resilient Health Systems call, we’re doubling down on partner matchmaking to ensure that submissions that should be funded have the best opportunity possible. We have already shared innovations with a number of major global donors and funders and have a great high-level judging panel lined up. More details on that to come soon!
We know that time is of the essence. Virus caseloads are rising across Africa and South Asia, health systems are stressed, and there is plenty of evidence of disruptions in essential health services. It is vital to respond quickly. We are moving fast to be able to support organisations to adapt, integrate, or scale their innovations to make a real difference in supporting health systems to maintain essential health services while responding to COVID-19.
Most of all, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who submitted innovations to this call. Across the board, we were really pleased with the quality of the submissions and the passion and dedication to strengthening health systems.
Look out for more updates as we move forward with the process and share lessons and innovations to build resilient health systems.
