WHO AFRO COVID-19 implications on SRHR and mitigating risk of system collapse

WHO AFRO has applied to Sweden for funding of 80 million SEK to carry out the " Country Level AFRO Reform (DCL): From COVID to HEALTH), which is divided into two pillars. Pillar 1: COVID-19 implications on essential health service delivery (i.e., SRHR) and mitigating the risk of system collapse" and pillar two “Coordinated Strategic and Policy Support for Structural and Functional Transformation of WHO Country Offices.” The programme will be implemented between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2021. Sida will contribute 30 Million SEK to pillar one and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) will contribute 50 million SEK to pillar two. The funding will be used to strengthen and amplify the convening power, influence, and mandate of the WHO/AFRO to offer quality and timely technical support to the focus countries. More specifically, this Grant will allow WHO/AFRO to support the focus countries in achieving the following outcomes: 1. Maintained continuity of essential high-quality SRHR information and services through a health system approach, including preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence 2. Increased access to a wider range of contraceptive methods (expanded method mix) through Task Sharing and self-care interventions 3. Strengthened monitoring system for tracking progress in SRHR/Family Planning. This investment will enable WHO-AFRO to contribute to components of its Transformation Agenda 2015-2020—pro-results values, smart technical focus; responsive strategic operations; and effective communication and partnerships in the SRHR workspace. It will also contribute to the Regional WHO transformation aiming at understanding the country’s priorities as well as the type and level of support required and align WHO country presence to the Member States and partner expectations (linked to Pillar II). WHO AFRO will implement the contribution in close coronation with 2Gether4SRHR (ID: 10596), in particular the agreement amended (ZAM-DC19/2020). The total budget of the contribution is 80 Million SEK, where Sida contributes 30 MSEK and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs 50 MSEK (Decision UD2020/08919/IU, UD2020/01985/FN) . The contribution is in line with the Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19 Outbreak.