In past epidemics, health systems have struggled to provide routine health services and the demand for, and access to, health services decreased. Currently, health systems are overwhelmed by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in modifications in the provision, access and utilization of essential health services. It is now a matter of urgency to consider the potential impact of the disruptions in essential health services and modification of health seeking behaviours.

An exploration of the drivers and barriers to infectious diseases health provision is urgently needed!

An innovative approach with international collaboration

Since May, The Global Health Network has been supporting the coordination of COVID-19 Working Groups. The 'COVID-19 Health Systems Working Group', derived from 255 members across 61 countries and with varying levels of experience. This group has been developing two pressing and relevant protocols.

The Global Health Network COVID-19 Health Systems Working Group’ first virtual team meeting was on the 16th of June. Over 250 researchers from across the globe have come together in this group, and in the past months, they have developed 2 sound and robust mixed-methods multicentre protocols, using a ‘crowd-sourcing’ development process, addressing previously identified priorities.

Utilising The Global Health Network’s platform, 2 protocols were developed through a rapid and unique ‘crowd-sourcing’ approach. This method invites and secures multidisciplinary input to maximise the rigour of the design and wider applicability, drawing on the expertise of the members of the working group and facilitating strong global consensus.

  • “COVID-19 impact on reproductive maternal neonatal child (RMNCH) health services in LMICs”
  • “Impact of COVID-19 on malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS interventions” 

From within this COVID-19 Health System Working Group, five researchers have come forward to lead the development these two studies. In an effort to contribute to the global research efforts into COVID-19,  the following protocols and study materialshave been developed to fit the nature and resources of their setting.

What is vital at this time, is to provide SOP’s and study materials that can be accessed and used by teams to support high-quality, rapid implementation of these critical COVID-19 studies in various settings. We know the true power of active sharing and the impact it can have to raise standards and speed up research.

Therefore, this team of researchers have generously provided access to the SOP's and documentation they have developed to support the health systems studies globally!