Only as healthy as the unhealthiest: how the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed the call for global health system strengthening

The geographic spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has had severe health, economic and political consequences, exposing the state of health systems across the globe. Differences in Health System Strengthening can lead to better health when health systems are responsive and resilient, such that they can absorb the shock of the current pandemic, and adapt to changing health needs. Current data shows high correlation between underlying health conditions caused by non-communicable diseases with severity and mortality of COVID-19. Sizeable vaccine purchases by wealthier OECD countries have exposed the divide between OECD countries and LMICs through inequitable vaccine distribution and greater concerns for reduced transmission.