Tunisia

The chapter highlights that Tunisia leveraged its well-trained medical staff and specialized health institutions at the National level, which were mobilized immediately to manage the crisis. The speed of the response and the significant restrictions that were introduced allowed the country to dodge the first wave of COVID-19. However, the continuity of services and their quality proved to be a constraint, particularly in the context of the specific needs associated with the health crisis. The health crisis also weakened the social protection programmes and worker protection focus that was in existence. At the same time, the reallocation of government budgets and international donor investment projects allowed for the acceleration of the allocation of resources to vulnerable groups. However, despite the urgency, administrative procedures delayed the release of international funds. The multiple constraints in reaching vulnerable groups form a structural problem that should be overcome by strengthening social protection institutions.