The Development of DHF Management Strategies and Tactics in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives were to study policy-making, strategies and plans for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) management at district level and to develop strategies and tactics for dengue fever management in 9 provinces, and 22 districts. The target groups were executives and operation level of district public health offices, sub-district health promotion hospitals and the Bangkok metropolitan administration office. Data were collected from group discussions and in-depth interviews and analyzed by descriptive statistics.

Research results were: 1) DHF Models management was operated in the district health system management. 2) DHF management strategy was operated like the emerging diseases from an outside area more than an endemic disease. 3) Medical care service was not integrated for treatment, follow up and referrals. 4) Districts were lack of skills to be chief of operation for DHF management programs. 5) Districts don’t apply the integrated vector management strategy to controlling mosquito vectors. 6) Mosquito chemical sprayers at local administrative organizations were lack of proper skills.

Strategies and tactics for DHF management consist of 5 strategies: 1) Strengthen the disease surveillance system and the emergency management of communicable diseases led by Aedes mosquitoes. 2) Mobilize network association and community as collaborators in implementing integrated vector management for the prevention and control of Aedes mosquitoes at all levels. 3) Increase public awareness and understanding for the community which will have health literacy to prevent and control Andes’s diseases. 4) Strengthen the facility service system at all levels. 5) To develop research, innovation and technology as integrated and systematic.