Continuity and oversight of country programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
27 May 2021
The Global Fund took decisive, positive action to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on grant implementers and to facilitate program continuity, introducing measures such as grant flexibilities and new and redirected funding.
Tuberculosis programs have suffered the most disruption, largely due to the similarities between the disease and COVID-19 in terms of symptoms and health care delivery. HIV treatment programs have continued with low-level interruption, however significant disruptions have been experienced in prevention and key population activities. Malaria programs have been least impacted by the pandemic.
Global Fund systems, tools and processes to oversee and monitor grants were not designed to be used in an emergency environment. The Secretariat therefore introduced new measures to monitor programs and increase engagement with implementers, to reduce the impact of COVID-related challenges. While effective, these measures will need to be continuously refined and adapted to the changing environment.