The Local Health System Sustainability (LHSS) Project in Jamaica supports the government of Jamaica and private sector stakeholders to leverage existing private sector models to reduce the strain on the public sector and strengthen the country’s COVID-19 response. The activity seeks to increase equitable access to and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, address vaccine hesitancy, reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID-19, and reinforce private health sector resiliency to effectively respond to the pandemic while maintaining essential health services.

Banyan Global supported the gender equity and social inclusion integration (GESI), specifically focusing on expanding access to vaccinations among vulnerable and low-income populations and developing inclusive communication strategies to mitigate vaccine hesitancy.

Banyan Global is a subcontractor to Abt Associates on the $209 million, five-year USAID-funded LHSS project under the Integrated Health Systems award that works globally in up to 52 countries to strengthen their health systems as a means to achieve universal health coverage and improve population health and well-being. With an eye toward empowering countries to transition away from donor support, the project is strengthening the capacity of local organizations to lead implementation. Banyan Global is responsible for providing technical assistance to increase financial protection, population coverage, and service coverage of quality essential services.  Banyan Global also leads work to increase private investment in the health sector and to promote gender integration and social inclusion.