The Local Health System Sustainability (LHSS) Project in Colombia is supporting the goals of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the government of Colombia in efforts to strengthen health systems to achieve universal health coverage while promoting measures to support the most vulnerable. Known as Comunidades Saludables in Colombia, the project aims to strengthen the Colombian health system as it absorbs Venezuelan migrants and Colombian returnees while increasing its capacity to respond to current and future shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Banyan Global is leading the efforts to integrate gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into all interventions. Banyan Global is focusing on integrating GESI considerations in public health policy, improving access to health services for women and migrants, and leading GESI training for government stakeholders, community organizations, and COVID-19 responders.

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.