A Narrative Review of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Response in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract

BackgroundThe Kingdom of Bahrain has reported more than 696,000 COVID-19 cases and 1548 associated deaths as of December 26, 2022. ObjectivesTo better inform responses to future public health threats, this narrative review documents the challenges and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Kingdom of Bahrain. MethodsA PubMed search was conducted focusing on severe acute respiratory syndrome or COVID-19 in Bahrain. Additional relevant references were also included from the authors’ personal reference collections. ResultsThe search indicated that Bahrain achieved well-established control of the pandemic through robust public health measures including an early, comprehensive vaccination program. Bahrain was among the first countries to grant emergency authorization for COVID-19 vaccines; as of December 2022, nearly 73% of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated, and approximately 60% has been boosted. Low case rates in recent months highlight Bahrain's successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ConclusionsEarly organization, robust and systematic protective measures, and a comprehensive vaccination program were key components of the Kingdom's response to the pandemic; traveler quarantines and attempts to combat misinformation were of little or no benefit. These lessons provide guidance for future preparedness to minimize the public health impacts of another pandemic.