External publications

Strengthening social systems

Strupat, Christoph / Paul Marschall
External Publications (2021)

in: OECD Development Co-operation Report 2020: learning from crises, building resilience, Paris: OECD Publishing, 195 - 200

ISBN: 9789264883604
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/f6d42aa5-en
Volltext/Document

Experience shows that strong, well-functioning, adaptable and adequately funded social systems are essential to cope with the negative impacts of crises like COVID-19. This case study examines the strengths and weaknesses of social systems in Africa and how these influenced the response of different countries. It notes that few countries have adequate social protection schemes, but some countries have limited the direct effects of the pandemic by relying on health emergency systems honed during the Ebola outbreak. It seems that building stronger social systems builds resilience.