Lesotho COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project

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The objective of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Emergency Preparedness and Response Project for Lesotho is to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 and strengthen national systems for public health preparedness. The project has two components. 1. Emergency COVID-19 Response component consists of: a) strengthening COVID-19 case detection, confirmation, contact tracing, recording and reporting. The focus will be on: (i) screening travelers at all nine ports of entry; (ii) diagnosing cases by setting up designated testing and laboratory sites; (iii) carrying out contact tracing to minimize risk of transmission; (iv) conducting risk assessments to identify hot spot areas of transmission; (v) provide on-time data and information for guiding decision-making and response and mitigation activities; (vi) referring cases for quarantining and/or treatment as needed; and (vii) using community and village health workers to strengthen surveillance efforts; and (viii) strengthen health management information system. To this end, the project will support: (i) medical supplies and equipment; (ii) training and capacity building for frontline health workers; and (iii) operating costs for Rapid Response Teams; (iv) recruitment of additional personnel; and (v) the implementation of digital health solutions, as needed. The project will fund (i) medical and laboratory equipment and supplies, waste management equipment and supplies, and video conferencing equipment for telemedicine; (ii) contracted telemedicine services for either consulting on COVID-19 cases or to provide alternative ways for the population to access routine health services; and (iii) operating costs, including temporary recruitment of additional clinical personnel. The project will support (i) production and dissemination of communication materials (including in digital form) and organization of national and local campaigns to raise awareness; (ii) establishment of data analytics capability to improve targeting and measure effectiveness; and (iii) large-scale production and distribution of face masks and sanitation materials, including locally produced alcohol-based hand rubs, especially for high-density and high-risk areas. 2. Project Implementation and Monitoring and Evaluation (M and E) component will support program coordination, management and monitoring, operational support and logistics, and project management. This will include support for the COVID-19 Incident Management System Coordination Structure; operational reviews to assess implementation progress and adjust operational plans; and provide logistical support. The project will support technical assistance, conduct of representative rapid phone surveys targeting health workers and the general population as part of M and E, and operating costs.