The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the capacity of health systems to continue the delivery of essential health services. While health systems around the world are being challenged by increasing demand for care of COVID-19 patients, it is critical to maintain preventive and curative services, especially for the most vulnerable populations, such as children, older persons, people living with chronic conditions, minorities and people living with disabilities.

Countries need to achieve the optimal balance between fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and maintenance of essential health services. WHO has been coordinating efforts across several regions and departments to support country implementation of targeted actions to reorganize and maintain access to safe and high-quality essential health services across the life course.