Resilient systems
Resilient health systems are essential for withstanding shocks, adapting to crises and delivering consistent, quality care. At the core of our work is a commitment to building systems that can continue to serve communities — especially those most at risk — even in the face of conflict, epidemics or other disruptions. Resilience enables health systems to improve over time and deliver lasting impact.
To build resilience, we work closely with governments to fortify national systems, embed programmes within existing structures and strengthen the capacity of health workers to deliver services to communities most at risk of disease — including women and girls, and those in remote or conflict-affected areas. Our work extends to support the delivery of quality services through private providers and shaping national strategies that reflect each country’s unique challenges, with the capability of being reliable and responsive to evolving needs.
Pathway to malaria elimination
At Malaria Consortium, we believe that eliminating malaria is a moral imperative. Tackling this disease does not just solve the issue of malaria — its elimination would have a profound impact reducing the burden on health systems, freeing up resources for other diseases and facilitating economic growth. Through innovative research, targeted interventions, and strong partnerships with governments and communities, we are driving progress where it matters most. Together, we are building resilient communities and paving the way for a world free from malaria.
Our engagement in the elimination of malaria is driven by three key objectives:
Driving the elimination of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite in areas of artemisinin resistance
Establishing better surveillance systems and capacity for information needed to eliminate malaria in all countries
Advocating for continued high-quality, intensive, targeted efforts against malaria, even when transmission declines
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Preparing against future threats
Future outbreaks are not a question of if, but when. This makes it more critical than ever to build stronger, more adaptable health systems that can detect, respond to and recover from emerging disease threats. We work with governments and communities to strengthen health systems before crises occur. Through surveillance and early detection, rapid response and targeted training, we ensure systems are equipped to manage future disease threats.
In practice: In Uganda, we are bolstering national defences against arboviruses, working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Virus Research Institute to deliver training programmes and public awareness campaigns. We are establishing robust surveillance systems that build on existing national structures to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response that tackles arboviruses head-on.
Read about our surveillance work to see how we stay ahead of disease outbreaks.
In practice: LSHTM’s Resilience Against Future Threats (RAFT) through Vector Control research consortium has been at the forefront of addressing critical challenges in controlling Aedes-borne arboviruses like dengue. By generating vital evidence for governments and health leaders, and providing opportunities for cross-learning between southeast Asia and Africa, RAFT is ensuring that national mosquito control strategies are strengthened to be effective and appropriate against rapidly evolving disease threats.
Find out more about our academic partnerships and collaborative learning.
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Adapting to external shocks
Resilient health systems must do more than endure — they must adapt. We support governments and communities to respond to emerging health threats by embedding flexibility into health systems and services. By using real-time evidence to guide decisions, we help ensure health responses remain effective, targeted and inclusive.
In practice: Malaria Consortium continued to deliver programmes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with minimal delays, and without placing our staff and communities at undue risk. Through effective teamwork and adaptation, and a proactive and evidence-based approach, we supported COVID vaccine delivery in South Sudan, led the distribution of personal protective equipment in Uganda and adapted a digital platform to support COVID and malaria case management in Mozambique.
Explore our comprehensive response to COVID-19 and our related research.
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Strengthening health systems from within communities
We work with existing community structures, health centres and local leaders to improve case detection, surveillance and timely treatment. By strengthening the capacity of health staff and community members to take an active role in disease prevention, early diagnosis and effective response — critical elements of resilient health systems.
In practice: In Cambodia, we train mobile malaria workers to fill gaps in malaria service delivery among mobile and migrant populations, whose mobility and cross-border migration limit their access to services. Mobile malaria workers raise awareness of malaria transmission and effective personal protection, and provide testing and treatment to ensure timely care for these hard-to-reach groups.
Learn more about our community-based health service delivery.
