This review aims to identify Southern organisations providing rapid evidence-synthesis and response services supporting governments in low- and middle-income countries in their response to the socioeconomic impacts of Covid-19. As a result, it focuses on a desk-based review of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), think tanks, and grey literature, examining the websites of organisations in the focus countries for relevant programming. In general, several think tanks and organisations that work to connect evidence with policy and decision-making were identified in each of the focus countries (except Syria). However, rapid response services were harder to identify. Services which explicitly mentioned they were rapid or were demand-driven and responding to the needs of policymakers were included. The review also highlights where organisations have pivoted their work and these services towards Covid-19 although it is not yet clear how these are contributing to a better understand of the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic.
Learning