The HeSP initiative aims to boost health security in the sub-region. During its first phase, the USD 500 million IDA-financed multiphase operation will involve Cabo Verde, Guinea, Liberia, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Member States to increase collaboration and improve health system capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies in the region.
The regional programme seeks to ramp up multisectoral preparedness and response capacities for health emergencies, relying on a “One Health approach” to optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. Health security interventions aim to address the intertwined nature of pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related challenges persistent in the region, with priority given to gender related risks and equity considerations.