The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is strongly committed to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, a disease caused by a novel coronavirus. The disease is a health threat with dire consequences to human health. The USAID MTaPS Program is on the frontlines supporting USAID’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.
MTaPS’ mandate includes advancing the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), so the program is well positioned to respond to global public health emergencies, such as the current outbreak.
MTaPS has formed a COVID-19 response team to assist countries in developing rapid response action plans to manage the outbreak.
The program has rolled out COVID-19 action plans in 13 countries: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. These are countries where MTaPS already has an on-the-ground presence and access to local technical expertise, both of which are vital to mobilizing a quick response to contain the outbreak.
COVID-19 Response Strategies
The program’s approach to rapidly respond to the pandemic includes three critical strategies:
- Implementing end-to-end infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in health facilities
- Strengthening commodity management to ensure a sustained supply of and access to commodities, such as medicines, masks, and hygiene products
- Developing capacity for healthcare waste management
The program is drawing on the immediate threat prevention and preparedness strategies recommended by the World Health Organization and other global bodies. The approach also embeds existing national emergency preparedness and response plans and collaboration with national rapid response teams.
