Indonesia: Emergency Response to COVID-19 Program

approved

The proposed program to be supported under the COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Facility (the Facility) is being co-financed with the World Bank (WB) and has been designed in accordance with the WB's Policy on Program for Results (PforR). The adoption of PforR design will facilitate a rapid response to the current health emergency. The program aims to focus on three results areas: Results Area 1 - Help expand health system preparedness by addressing the immediate needs of designated COVID-19 referral facilities. The Program will support the expanded network of health facilities owned by the Ministry of Health (MOH) that have been designated as COVID-19 referral hospitals. It will ensure they are fully equipped to manage and treat the increase in severe respiratory illness and critical care patients. It will also support the MOH's development and implementation of infection control and safety measures in healthcare settings as well as treatment protocols to manage cases at all stages. For medium-term outcomes aimed at strengthening the health system, the program will support the updating of the national pandemic preparedness plan, including emergency funds flows and emergency procurement systems, development of a communication strategy, improvement of reporting and a strengthened surveillance system, incorporating lessons from COVID-19 experience. Results Area 2 - Strengthen the laboratory network and surveillance system to help increase testing and contact tracing. The Program will support the development of national guidelines for laboratories adhering to Bio Safety Level 2 (as defined by National Institute for Health Research) or higher standards, covering sample collection, transportation, and laboratory testing procedures for suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) or Coronaviruses. This results area also aims to provide consumables for testing to every province and district of the country (subject to the availability of affordable COVID-19 cartridges for GeneXpert machines). The Program will also promote the development and implementation of laboratory quality assurance mechanisms for those in the network. Lastly, the Program will strengthen the GOI's capacity to do contact tracing and surveillance by supporting the surveillance hotline for community-based reporting of outbreaks and new illnesses. Results Area 3 - Ensure MOH support for communications and coordination across sectors and levels of government. The Program will facilitate communication and coordination for pandemic response and preparedness as it recognizes the need for the MOH to coordinate with other sectors. It will support the development and establishment of mechanisms for communication of COVID-19 test results (in coordination with the sub-national level), and support the National Disaster Risk Management Agency (BNPB) and other agencies in developing messages on personal hygiene promotion and other preventive communications.