The resilience of health systems is essential for providing lifesaving care during crises such as pandemics, disasters, and other major shocks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries struggled to manage the unprecedented scale of the challenge. However, those with better access to high-quality healthcare adapted more easily to the surge in patient numbers, managing to provide essential care for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.
In the aftermath of natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and floods, health systems such as Japan's have shown their ability to maintain critical services despite damaged infrastructure and disrupted supply chains. The World Bank is committed to strengthening health system resilience against climate and disaster risks by building a robust knowledge base and promoting global knowledge sharing.
A new report titled "Preparing Health Systems for Shocks: Japan’s Experience of Enhancing the Resilience of its Health System" was recently launched by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), a World Bank-managed partnership. This publication adds to a growing stream of knowledge products focused on health system resilience. It complements two earlier reports: "Frontline: Preparing Healthcare Systems for Shocks from Disasters to Pandemics" and "Frontline Scorecard: An Assessment Tool for Climate and Disaster Risk Management in Health Systems."
The report highlights how Japan has strengthened its health system's resilience by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from crises. Drawing on lessons from major earthquakes, floods, and infectious disease outbreaks, it showcases Japan's approach to linking health systems with disaster risk management and quality infrastructure. The report emphasizes integrating these sectors through regulations, governance, and capacity building.
Three critical lessons learned from Japan's experience include:
1. Strong foundational health systems are crucial for improving efficiency and resilience in health services.
2. Robust mechanisms for preparedness ensure minimal service disruption during future disasters.
3. Proactive support across various facets of the health sector enhances preparedness for emergencies.
The report was first shared in March 2025 at the Annual Conclave of the Global Learning Collaborative for Health System Resilience (GLC4HSR) in New Delhi. Policymakers and experts gathered there to advance efforts in building resilient health systems globally.
Drawing on Japan’s historical experience and early lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the report provided practical insights that sparked discussions on adaptive crisis response and resilient infrastructure. These discussions focused on updating hazards profiles, designing adaptive response systems, and strengthening overall health system resilience.
As countries face increasingly frequent shocks—from pandemics to disasters—the need to build resilient health systems is urgent. By sharing concrete lessons and tested approaches, the World Bank aims to empower countries so that their health systems remain strong, responsive, and ready to protect lives.
This report was made possible with support from GFDRR through its Japan-Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries.