Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) Partnership

Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) is a global collaboration that UNICEF helped lead to ensure equitable access to vaccines, tests, treatments, personal protective equipment (PPE), and infection prevention and control (IPC), especially for children in vulnerable environments.

Today, UNICEF remains actively engaged with ACT-A partners around the world to expand vaccine coverage, strengthen oxygen delivery systems, and enhance countries’ pandemic preparedness and response. These ongoing efforts aim to transition from emergency response to long-term, resilient health systems that can sustainably provide essential care for every child.

In July 2023, UNICEF embarked on a new Health and WASH partnership aligned with the ACT-A Framework and the UNICEF Strategic Plan. The one-year ACT-A programme provided essential healthcare services to 10.5 million children and caregivers across 22 countries. More than 200 healthcare facilities were upgraded with improved sanitation and more resilient health systems. In addition, over 6,900 community health workers were trained, six countries enhanced maternal and infant healthcare, and five countries launched COVID-19 vaccination programmes. The generous grant from the Republic of Korea during the first year was instrumental in supporting UNICEF’s largest integrated Health-WASH programme to date.

Building on these impactful outcomes, UNICEF is now focusing on three strategic priorities for the second year of the partnership (2024–2025). First, the programme will expand immunization campaigns to reach children in vulnerable settings. Second, community-based essential health systems and emergency response capacities will be strengthened, including professional development for community healthcare providers. Third, climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure and oxygen systems will be scaled up to prevent future infections and improve emergency care capacity. These goals align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrate the Republic of Korea’s leadership in advancing the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus on the global stage.