Tunisia and the World Bank are entering a new phase of cooperation to support reforms in the healthcare sector, focusing on enhancing health security, expanding digitalization, and developing public services. This cooperation aims to support universal health coverage and improve the healthcare system's preparedness to face crises. A report titled "From Crisis to Transformation: Tunisia's Journey with the World Bank towards a Stronger Health System" highlights the progress made in this partnership.
The report, written by the World Bank's Regional Director for the Maghreb and Malta, and Tunisia's Minister of Health, Mustafa Farjani, notes that cooperation between Tunisia and the World Bank has evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership has shifted from addressing the pandemic's immediate impacts to supporting structural reforms to enhance the healthcare system's capacity to face crises and improve services. A new healthcare project worth $125 million, financed by the World Bank and the Pandemic Fund, is a key aspect of this cooperation.
The new project includes upgrading over 50 public health laboratories, developing a public health emergency operations center, and expanding the national disease surveillance system. These efforts aim to enhance Tunisia's ability to detect and respond to health risks in a timely manner. The project also focuses on digitalization, with the introduction of a national human resources information system for healthcare to provide more accurate data on workforce distribution and needs.
The cooperation between Tunisia and the World Bank also involves integrating modern technologies into public hospitals, including robotic surgery and navigation systems in neurosurgery, as well as advanced diagnostic tools. A national strategy for a "One Health" approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health, is being developed, with Tunisia set to host a regional center for this approach.
Tunisia has been selected to join the National Health Pact initiative, launched by the World Bank, which supports progress towards universal health coverage. The pact focuses on telemedicine, health information systems, and artificial intelligence. The pact is expected to be endorsed during a digital health conference in Tunisia in October, with participation from international partners.
This cooperation is part of the preparations for the Universal Health Coverage Summit in Tokyo in December 2026, where countries will present their national commitments and share experiences on achieving more equitable and comprehensive health coverage. The partnership between Tunisia and the World Bank reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and improving health outcomes.
The enhanced cooperation between Tunisia and the World Bank demonstrates a long-term commitment to supporting reforms in the healthcare sector. With a focus on digitalization, health security, and universal health coverage, this partnership aims to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Tunisia.
Key points
- The World Bank has committed $125 million to support a new healthcare project in Tunisia.
- Tunisia is set to host a regional center for the "One Health" approach.
- The National Health Pact initiative aims to support progress towards universal health coverage.
