Post-COVID health system resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policy priorities for advancing sustainable development goal 3 (good health and well-being)

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep-seated vulnerabilities in health systems across Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the urgent need for resilient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare infrastructure.This chapter examines how rebuilding health systems in the post-COVID era can serve as a strategic pathway to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) (Good Health and Well-being) in the region.The article explores the multidimensional impact of the pandemic on healthcare delivery, financing, human resources, and access to essential services, particularly for vulnerable populations.Drawing from a regional narrative synthesis country such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe the article identifies innovative recovery strategies, including investments in primary healthcare, digital health solutions, localized manufacturing of medical supplies, and strengthened health governance.It further discusses the role of international cooperation, regional integration, and community engagement in reinforcing system-wide resilience.The findings suggest that a health system transformation rooted in equity, inclusivity, and adaptive capacity is critical to achieving SDG 3 and protecting the region from future public health crises.The chapter concludes with policy recommendations for building back better and ensuring long-term sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa's health sector.