From epidemics, hurricanes, earthquakes, to cyberattacks, the ability of a health system to withstand and recover from shocks is crucial. Power dynamics, social pressures, religious beliefs, political structures, and global economies all influence how a health system handles strains. Events like the West Africa Ebola outbreak in 2013 and the recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how fragile and interdependent health systems can be. Elom Otchi tells us about how his team in Accra, Ghana is working to build resilient health systems to maintain quality healthcare during a crisis.

References:

• Witter S, Thomas S, Topp SM, Barasa E, Chopra M, Cobos D, et al. Health system resilience: a critical review and reconceptualisation. Lancet Glob Health. 2023;11(11):e1454-e1458
• Fridell M, Edwin S, von Schreeb J, Saul ...