Impact of COVID-19 on health care system and public health in Latvia; ways in preparing health sector for future epidemics

To promote the preparedness of the health care and public health systems in Latvia for the future epidemics and states of emergency, learning from the experiences gained through the COVID-19 epidemics, we’ll carry out epidemiological and public health studies on post-epidemic consequences, including psycho-social and behavioral aspects in the general population and certain groups of inhabitants (children, people of reproductive age, elderly people) and analysis of continuity and existing algorithms of health care services. Scientific results of this project will contribute to the development of a sustainable approach for the delivery of essential health care and public health services during the present COVID-19 outbreak and in future epidemic events by supporting the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to plan appropriate actions for the management of services during a pandemic. The project will be implemented through five synergic and complementary work packages ((1) on continuity of healthcare, (2) mental health and psychological resilience, (3) sexual and reproductive health, health of (4) older adults and (5) children).