Support to countries facing COVID-19

As the COVID-19 threat emerged in early 2020, USAID turned to MTaPS to support countries’ emergency preparedness and response. At present, MTaPS has received funding and initiated COVID-19 response activities in 12 countries (Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda). Even when providing emergency technical assistance, MTaPS stands by the fundamental principles of health systems strengthening, ensuring that interventions and innovations create sustainable human capacity and system elements that will contribute to lasting overall improvements in health system performance. We engage immediately with national counterparts to achieve buy-in, develop prioritized month-by-month program plans, and mobilize action, beginning with the most immediate threat prevention and response strategies recommended by WHO; the CDC; and other official international, regional, and national bodies. We work with national rapid response teams and support application (and updating, as necessary) of National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans. Our collaborative approach relies on local talent and expertise, builds on national strengths, leverages the capabilities and resources of global and national partners, fosters innovation, and rapidly develops local capacities of both our partners and MTaPS’ own staff and consultants.