Situation of Surveillance, Prevention and Control Emerging Disease in Health Region 5

Abstract

The rapid changes in global economics, politics, society, and climate have contributed to the increase of emerging diseases, as evidenced by the pandemic of COVID-19. Health Region 5 is an area that is at risk for emerging diseases. This study aimed to analyze emerging disease surveillance, prevention, and control in Health Region 5 and provide recommendations for effective implementation of the surveillance system. Mixed method was conducted, including quantitative and qualitative studies. Qualitative data were collected through document review and in-dept interview. For document review, documents of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 5, Ratchaburi Province, during the year 2024, documents on emerging disease surveillance, documents on syndromic surveillance, assessment reports based on standards and operational guidelines for situation awareness teams and joint investigation teams. were analyzed: For in-dept interviews, 37 key stakeholders were recruited, including executives, directors, and other relevant personnel. The quantitative results revealed that the health information system, disease surveillance, prevention and control, leadership, and governance were rated as highly to most highly appropriate compared to other components. The qualitative results showed that 1) emerging disease surveillance, prevention, and control were implemented in the existing system of general infectious diseases, and syndromic surveillance remained in operation, but no dedicated laboratory surveillance had been implemented specifically for emerging diseases in the region; and 2) surveillance and health information systems were appropriate, but the budgets were limited. Therefore, Health Region 5 should establish specific plan for emerging disease surveillance and control. The laboratory surveillance should be implemented. The coordination mechanisms should be enhanced, as well as the ongoing training of health personnel on emerging diseases. Additionally, the improvement of information systems through digital technology, and increased budget allocation should be managed to improve the performance of the system.