The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for reform and investment in national health systems. In response, the World Bank is supporting post-pandemic health-sector changes, with a focus on expanding coverage, improving primary healthcare quality, and strengthening core public health functions. The organization is also preparing for potential future pandemics and working to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery and expenditures.
COVID-19, one of the most significant health and economic shocks in a century, led to millions of deaths worldwide and pushed many more into poverty. The pandemic also underscored the need for improved healthcare delivery across East Asia and the Pacific. Governments in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have announced plans for reform and rebuilding.
"Covid was a wakeup call," said Achim Schmillen, the World Bank’s practice leader for human development in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. "It really showed the deficiencies of health systems, but it also was a catalyst for change."
The World Bank has been instrumental in helping East Asia and Pacific governments address health emergencies and strengthen their health systems. Between April 2020 and October 2022, the Bank committed US$1.9 billion across 18 COVID-19 health response projects in the region.
With most populations now vaccinated and economic activity resuming, the Bank is providing financial support and technical expertise to help countries throughout the region build stronger healthcare systems for their citizens.
"Governments across the region have now pivoted to a recovery phase and are rebuilding around nationally defined reform plans," said Ronald Mutasa, practice manager for health, nutrition, and population in the East Asia and Pacific region. "By investing in stronger health systems today, countries will be better prepared to build human capital and for the health crises of tomorrow."
The World Bank's support includes generating new knowledge to inform policymakers on key reforms, providing technical assistance to accompany these reforms, and financing projects.
In addition to supporting new reforms, the World Bank is also addressing pre-existing challenges in the East Asia and Pacific region. These include some of the world's highest rates of stunted growth among children, such as in Timor-Leste, as well as countries that have made significant progress, like Indonesia.
Looking ahead, the World Bank will continue to support expanding coverage, improving quality of primary healthcare, and strengthening core public health functions. The organization is also deepening its cooperation with governments and key development partners to achieve large-scale results in line with the Evolution Roadmap for the region.
"Countries in EAP are increasingly demanding the Bank’s support along key healthcare service frontiers such as strengthening models for public-private sector interfaces, health financing reforms, digital health, scaling up the convergence of nutrition specific and sensitive interventions, rethinking and upgrading primary healthcare to tackle NCDs, mental health, and aging," said Ronald Mutasa.