Governance, challenges and solutions of covid-19 pandemic

At a time when covid-19 continues to impact every aspect (social, political, economic, cultural and religious etc.) of human life, our government has assumed a key role in the fight against this pandemic. In spite of the efforts of central government into federal structure the governments of states as well as local governments are playing a vital role to tackle this situation. These agencies are implementing directives intended to enforce social distancing, stimulate the economy and address medical shortages, among other measures like various declarations of emergency, closure of institutions and public meeting places and other restrictions intended to contain the spread of the virus. However, societies are vulnerable in times of crisis and there is an expectation of clear leadership and authority to respect core social values, such as democratic instant.

The World Bank Group is taking broad, fast action to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic response, increase disease surveillance, improve public health interventions, and help the private sector continue to operate and sustain jobs. It is deploying up to $160 billion in financial support over the next 15 months to help countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery.

The Governance Global Practice's role consists of ensuring a successful response to COVID-19, providing a stream of work on institutional reforms that support client countries in navigating the increased fragility, extreme pressure on resources, and rapidly evolving largescale service delivery needs.

The pandemic has exposed the benefits of a stronger, flexible, and more responsive civil service which can incorporate risk management and has access to contingencies in an emergency. It has also stressed the need for sound procurement policies, systems and processes. Helping countries procure lifesaving goods and services on an emergency basis is critical to blunt the impact of COVID-19.

Emerging lessons from the immediate response to the pandemic point to the need to adapt models of government operations, service delivery, and interactions with citizens, which include Government Technology options for modernization of services to citizens and businesses.

The Governance Global Practice supports client countries build capable, efficient, open, inclusive, and accountable institutions, which are critical for sustainable growth after COVID-19. Sustainable growth and inclusive development are at the heart of the World Bank's twin goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity.