Polio outbreak simulation exercise in Thailand’s border areas

Abstract

Polio eradication was initiated in 1988 as a global commitment. Even polio incidence has greatly declined but a number of cases are still being detected in some parts of the world. In the past few years, an increasing trend of global cases has been observed including detection of vaccine-derived poliomyelitis cases in neighboring countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended its member states to prepare for emergency response to contain potential polio outbreaks. Thailand also has a risk of imported cases which comes to its concern. To address this important health concern, a table-top simulation exercise was conducted on 30 July 2020 in Tak province, which is located on Thailand’s western border. Even OPV coverage of its border districts was as high as 94.2%, the province was still considered as high-risk area for polio outbreaks. Participants attending the exercise included health officials working in the areas of epidemiology, immunization, risk communications, emergency response, and control of international communicable diseases representing relevant health agencies at provincial, regional and national levels under the Ministry of Public Health. The objectives were to test an emergency plan, response procedures, and review the lessons learned. The exercise was considered a great success as it had received strong support from senior leadership from relevant health agencies and successfully met its objectives. Subject matter experts have recommended improvements of the guidelines on system management, immunization, logistics/supply, surveillance/investigation, and risk communications, which was similar to this type of exercise in other countries. This activity helped raise awareness about polio outbreak preparedness among related agencies and could also be adopted as a model for other high-risk areas to conduct a simulation exercise in the future.