Assessment of the International Health Volunteer Measures on Disease Prevention and Control along Thai Border with Myanmar, LAOs, and Cambodia

Abstract

Although Thailand has healthcare system and tools for work internationally to prevent disease, problems with infectious diseases and cross border healthcare system still have been persisted. The International Health Volunteers (IHVs) measure is a tool that established for facilitating an access to health services of foreign population. This study aimed to evaluate the IHVs measure regarding the promotion of health service access and to explain the barriers to IHVs measure during 2017-2018. Quantitative data were collected by questionnaires and qualitative data were collected by interview. This study defined 2 key result areas (KRA) and 4 key performance indexes (KPI). The area of this study located in 3 border areas of Thailand as follows: 1) Thailand-Laos border in Sirindhorn district, Ubon Ratchathani province and Si Chiang Mai district, Nong Khai province; 2) Thailand-Cambodia border in Khok Sung district, Sakaeo Province and Khlong yai district, Trat province; and 3) Thailand-Myanmar border in Mueang district, Ranong province and Mae sot district, Tak province. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, standard deviation whereas qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. The results found that the overall implementation score of the measure was higher than the target value (x̄ =2.28, full score 3.0), indicating that IHVs measures have the potential to promote migrant workers' access to health services. Obstacles encountered the implementation of the measure are as follows: 1) Migration after the development and distribution of the foreign population; 2) Most IHVs can communicate in Thai but neither can read nor write in Thai, as well as, being an IHVs leads to decrease their income; 3) No incentives such as health benefits, compensation, citizenship registration, and employer support. 4) The training courses for IHVs are complicated and time consuming. 5) There is no continuous IHVs policy. 6) IHVs in some areas are illegal workers.