Monitoring and evaluation of environmental surveillance programs at Thailand's points of entry as part of capacity development in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005)

Abstract

Thailand has 69 points of entry (PoEs), comprising 15 airports, 18 ports, and 36 ground crossings. These points of entries operate under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, and the Border Disease Control Checkpoints are one of the key responsible for implementing these regulations. Besides the core components, the significant aspects including environmental surveillance, vector surveillance, and relevant control measures are the integral parts of IHR implementation framework at POEs. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to examine the environmental and vector surveillance and sanitation inspections conducted by the officials at POEs. and to compare the results of surveillance inspections within Thailand's POEs between two fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Self-assessment on competency of POEs officials on implementing the regulations was conducted. The competency on the environmental surveillance was not different from the vector surveillance and control. No differences of both competences in 2022 and 2023 fiscal years and among different entry points: airports, ports, and ground crossings. Further analysis on sanitation inspection reports from the Estimates Strategic Management System (ESMS) program, including 7 categories: 1) potable water, 2) food sanitation, 3) wastewater and sewage management, 4) lavatories, 5) indoor air quality, 6) solid waste management, and 7) vector surveillance and control was performed. The number of reported activities was slightly increased from 133 in 2022 to 146 in 2023. The number of reported activities among 3-point of entry: airports, ports, and ground crossings were similar. In conclusion, the Border Disease Control Checkpoints have intensified inspection regimes within their respective POEs. The PoEs inspection requires a comprehensive approach encompassing policy and planning, budget allocation, operational skills training, and enhanced interagency cooperation.