It has become all too apparent that healthcare systems around the world are poorly prepared to meet the demands of the populations they serve. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored this harsh truth: In everything from public health capacity to the simple availability of personal protective equipment, governments and healthcare providers everywhere have struggled to cope with the spread and impact of this virus.

The failures highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic have not been the only sign that current healthcare systems are struggling to protect local populations.Major public health threats — arising from both natural and human causes — have been exposing the weaknesses of healthcare systems that, in most cases, were designed for more stable and predictable circumstances.

Today, just as the business sector has recognized the need to adapt to a world of volatility, uncertainty, and complexity, the healthcare sector must take urgent steps to build its resilience. Governments, regulators, and healthcare providers must work to make systems more robust over the next decade.