Investing in Tunisian health capacities in the Covid-19 crisis, phase 2

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The number of corona infections in Tunisia, which has risen sharply since the end of 2020, reached a record level in mid-2021, leading to a critical situation in the already weak Tunisian health system. Due to overloaded hospitals, Tunisia had the highest COVID-19-related mortality rate on the African continent and in the Arab world. The current health crisis is in addition to the economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the effects of COVID-19. At the same time, the political crisis of the past few months has hampered the government's ability to implement a clear strategy to fight COVID-19. With an additional EUR 5.0 million, the fourth phase of the project will support the Tunisian government in continuing to keep the COVID-19 pandemic under control through increased infection prevention and control in public facilities and in mitigating the effects of the pandemic on vulnerable population groups. The aim is to implement effective measures to strengthen the health system to protect against COVID-19 in order to mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's future prospects. The Federal Government's financial contribution includes support for the rehabilitation of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in educational institutions and health centers, thereby supporting Tunisia's COVID-19 health measures. Another key measure is the conduct of studies/surveys as a basis for short-term evidence-based policy-making for more effective Covid-19 prevention measures. In addition, the Tunisian government's communication measures on the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and hygiene regulations in educational institutions are to be supported. The recipient of the funds and project sponsor is the UN Children's Fund UNICEF.