Cross-border Threats Research Articles

Assessing Post-Vaccination Seroprevalence and Enhancing Strategies for Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccination in Korean Cattle.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by the LSD virus (LSDV), a dsDNA virus of the genus Capripoxvirus, represents a significant cross-border infectious threat, particularly impacting cattle and water buffaloes through transmission by blood-feeding insects. Traditionally endemic to Southern Africa, LSD has rapidly spread over the past decade through the Middle East to Eastern Europe and China, reaching Korea in October 2023. This outbreak prompted a nationwide vaccination campaign, addressing both the disease's severe economic impact and its status as a notifiable disease under the World Organisation for Animal Health. This study assesses the seropositivity of the LSD vaccine in cattle across four Korean provinces 2-3 months post-vaccination, aiming to inform improvements in biosecurity and vaccination strategies. Overall, 30.59% of the cattle tested (1196 out of 3910) exhibited positive antibody responses, comparable to international post-vaccination findings. Analysis further revealed differences in the antibody positivity between farm types and management practices. Specifically, farms where vaccines were administered by veterinarians showed no significant difference in antibody positivity between Korean native cattle and dairy cattle, regardless of the presence of restraint facilities. However, on farms where vaccinations were conducted by the owners, dairy cattle demonstrated a higher seropositivity (43.30 ± 33.39%) compared to Korean native cattle (21.97 ± 20.79%) in the absence of restraint facilities. Further comparisons underscored the impact of restraint facilities on vaccination efficacy, with dairy farms generally achieving higher antibody positivity (29.43 ± 30.61%) than farms with Korean native cattle (23.02 ± 23.33%) (p < 0.05), suggesting that consistent vaccine delivery methods enhance immunogenic responses. Contrarily, no significant difference was noted in antibody positivity between large- and small-scale farms, indicating that farm size did not notably impact the effectiveness of the vaccinator. These findings emphasize that while current vaccines are sufficiently inducing immunity, enhancing vaccination strategies, particularly through trained personnel and improved restraint facilities, is crucial. This study's insights into the impact of vaccination and farm management practices provide valuable guidance for refining LSD control measures in Korea and potentially other affected regions.

Enhancing cross-border contact tracing in Europe: Lessons learned from COVID-19 and future directions

Abstract Introduction Health systems in the EU operate at the national level, granting Member States autonomy for outbreak preparedness and response within their territories whilst coordinating at EU level to combat serious cross-border threats. The EU’s Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) provides the platform to exchange personal data for contact tracing across 30/EEA countries and was extensively utilized during COVID-19. This study examines insights from EU/EEA countries and assesses the feasibility of integrating national digital systems with EWRS to increase its effectiveness. Methods A comparative case study surveyed representatives from 24 countries and interviewed nine, analyzing contact tracing processes, actors, digital technologies, and challenges/facilitators during COVID-19. Thematic analysis was complemented by two webinars engaging EU/EEA countries to validate findings and gather additional perspectives. Results EWRS was valued for safety and efficiency but faced challenges during peak pandemic periods due to the heavy manual workload. Integrating national digital systems with EWRS could enhance data quality, timeliness, and coordination between countries. However, countries have varied and incompatible digital contact tracing systems, limiting the feasibility of their integration with EWRS. Moreover, most countries organize contact tracing at the subnational level, with regional entities developing and managing their own digital technologies under national guidance. Smaller countries excluded, subnational contact tracing case management systems were often not integrated with each other to exchange personal data in an automated way at a national level. Conclusions While integrating national digital systems with EWRS could bolster efficiency of contact tracing across EU/EEA, the presence of diverse technologies and decentralized governance poses feasibility challenges. Other improvements are needed to enhance cross-border contact tracing during outbreaks. Key messages • Integrating national digital systems with EWRS promises enhanced efficiency for contact tracing across EU/EEA in line with Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health. • Diverse technologies and decentralized governance pose feasibility challenges, underscoring the need for further enhancements in cross-border contact tracing in EU/EEA during large outbreaks.

Reference, calibration and referral laboratories- a look at current European provisions and beyond.

European Union (EU) regulations on invitro diagnostics (IVD) and on serious cross-border threats to health provide for the establishment of European Reference Laboratories (EURLs) and their harmonization and cooperation with National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). While the EURLs under the IVD Regulation will be operational by 1 October 2024, the EURLs under the Regulation on serious cross-border threats to health will be operational by January 2025. Although NRLs may have been operating for a long time on the basis of national legislation, they should now cooperate with each other and with EURLs in a network of centers of excellence for the authorization and post-market surveillance of IVDs and for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases. The term "reference laboratory" has long been used colloquially to refer to many kinds oflaboratories, regardless of their tasks, competencies, responsibilities and designation. A literature search and analysis confirmed this by showing that a considerable proportion of scientific publications in 2024 use the term "reference laboratory" inappropriately. In order to clarify the roles and functioning of EURLs and NRLs, we have evaluated the relevant current EU provisions and compared the findings with those of reference laboratories designated by other organizations, calibration (reference) laboratories and referral laboratories, which are simply referred to as "reference laboratories". With the forthcoming implementation of the EU regulations, at least the goals of providing safe and high-quality IVDs and adequate public health surveillance for communicable diseases appear to be achievable.

Weaponization of Social Media – Challenges and Responses

The use of social media as a tool for manipulation poses significant challenges worldwide, affecting public sentiment, intensifying divisions, and endangering democratic systems. This article investigates these issues and examines the responses from governments, tech companies, and civil society. The swift evolution of social media has changed the way we communicate while also facilitating the rapid dissemination of false information and polarizing narratives, threatening societal unity. Researchers emphasize the impact of algorithms in creating echo chambers and filter bubbles that deepen polarization. Additionally, malicious actors take advantage of these platforms to propagate disinformation, sway elections, and incite violence. In response, initiatives such as enhanced fact-checking, media literacy programs, and better content moderation by social networks are being implemented. Regulatory actions to promote transparency and accountability are also recommended, alongside international collaboration to combat cross-border online threats. A comprehensive strategy involving technology, regulation, international co-operation and community resilience is essential to protect democratic ideals in our interconnected society.

Crisis of loyalty and the defense of Empire in the estimates of the british Military class: colonial army during the inter-war period

In the interwar period, three powerful ideological factors – nationalism, pan-Islamism, and communism - simultaneously undermined the power of the metropolis in the dependent territories. Behind this façade, as was reasonably assumed in Delhi, Simla, Jerusalem, Cairo, and London, the interests of rival states were concealed. Overseas territories were seen both as a source of strength (economy, international prestige) and weakness (diversion of resources because of the leadership’s belief in the existence of an external threat).The historiography of the British Empire pays attention to how the colonial administrations and the metropolis responded to the challenges posed by the prospects of combining crises of loyalty and worsening international competition into a single problem of ensuring colonial order after the First World War. The question remains open about how the representatives of the military class themselves looked at such a cross-border threat. The article shows that, in this light, one of the key topics for the army corporation in the framework of the professional discussion was the institutionalization of the colonial army. To what extent did the esprit de corps of the British Army have an imperil character in terms of institutional peculiarities and public self-presentation? Was colonial service has been perceived as a priority over participation in conventional conflict in the training of the officer corps? How was it supposed to solve the problem of the growing obligations of the army to suppress anti-colonial protests (including guerrilla warfare in full-scale) against the background of worsening international relations, financial shortages and personnel restrictions? To what extend did the logics of the military thought development and corporate interests had mirrored the evolution of the colonial rule’ models after the Great War? As the results of the presented study demonstrates, these issues did not only constellate internal and interdepartmental discussions on the declared topic. Their participants had a hand in the further development of a wider discursive field – about the prospects for the future of the British Empire as such.

CIV-MIL integration in the transformation of the EU healthcare network: a dual-gain strategy

PurposeThis article aims to address the need for a more structured partnership between civilian and military healthcare, particularly in the context of cross-border threats in the EU. While both systems are driven by the same goal of providing high-quality healthcare services and achieving optimal patient outcomes, they operate under different national approaches and resources.Design/methodology/approachTwo recent crises are presented as examples that highlight the necessity of cooperation between civilian and military medical systems. The Covid-19 Pandemic and the Ukrainian Conflict are described based on the experience gathered by the author as a member of the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine and form the base to shape a broader perspective on the future of civil-military interaction in healthcare at the European Union level.FindingsThe ability to deliver coordinated responses during crises depend on the level of interoperability, preparation and mutual understanding. To improve synergies, a structured partnership should be established, prioritizing common standards of care and shared best practices. Integrating military and civilian healthcare pathways can be especially beneficial in situations where patients are moved from the point of injury or sickness across different military and civilian structures to receive the most appropriate treatment and rehabilitation for their conditions.Originality/valueThe relationship between military and civilian healthcare systems is often discussed at multinational level, but a clear focus is lacking concerning their shared mission, distinct functions and potential for cross-border collaboration.

The Impact of Disinformation on the Functioning of the Rule of Law and Democratic Processes in the Eu

Disinformation and propaganda are based on the fact that the information: i) is designed to be totally or partially false, manipulated or misleading or uses unethical persuasion techniques; ii) concern a matter of public interest; (iii) is intended to generate insecurity, hostility or polarization or attempt to undermine democratic processes; iv) is disseminated and/or amplified using automatic and aggressive tools, such as social bots, artificial intelligence, micro-targeting or paid human trolls, often with the aim of increasing the public visibility of the content. Especially the systematic dissemination of disinformation by active politicians, parties or authorities is a clear and immediate threat to democracy and is disrespectful of the values of the European Union according to Article 2 TEU, because the trust in such authoritative persons is a value choice which cannot be changed by rational arguments. Moreover, deepfakes (algorithmically generated messages flooding recipients to give a false impression of political consensus) present a significant challenge for democracy, because they may sow uncertainty which may, in turn, reduce trust in news on social media and hinder civic participation in online debates. Finally, a study commissioned by the European External Antion Service, published in 2021, has focused on two more categories of disinformation: 'influence operations' by third countries, aimed at influencing a target audience using a range of illegitimate and deceptive means, and 'foreign interference', aimed at disrupting the free formation and expression of political will. Therefore, among the many issues dealt with by the EP resolution of 1 June 2023 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, it must be mentioned the fact that foreign interference, including disinformation, is a national and cross-border security threat. Consequently, the EP has stressed the need for solidarity between the Member States so that such activities can be effectively combated, also amending Article 222 TFEU (the solidarity clause) by including foreign interference. In fact, with respect to disinformation a process of securitization is being promoted, consisting of applying security tools and discourses upon an object that was previously not identified as such. An example of this trend is represented by the specific task force set up within the European External Action Service in order to address Russia's ongoing disinformation campaigns. Another example, showing that disinformation has become a CFSP issue, is the Council regulation (EU) 2022/350 of 1 March 2022, based on Council decision (CFSP) 2022/351, concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine. However, when determining the focus and political actions of the EU against disinformation, two opposing logics – securitization and self-regulation – coexist and compete. As a result, the EU is promoting a discourse linking disinformation to security, exceptionality and geopolitical strategies, but being lax at the same time with the obligations and responsibilities of the digital platform companies. Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024

Development of a workforce self-assessment tool for public health emergency preparedness.

In collaboration with six European public health agencies as part of the PANDEM-2 consortium, we have developed and validated a self-assessment tool that captures the workforce capacities and capabilities needed at the institutional level within National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) to deal with public health emergencies. The work carried out in this study included (i) a review of existing tools for workforce assessment, (ii) focus group discussions and interviews to map the experiences and needs of NPHI's, (iii) the development of a tool for NPHI's to assess their workforce capacity and capabilities in public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) and (iv) refinement of the assessment tool via a Delphi study. Capacity markers were identified to assess the workforce required for PHEP functions and the availability of surge capacity during a public health emergency. The tool also enables NPHIs to analyze gaps in PHEP staff competencies. The assessment scores can assist NPHI pandemic preparedness by identifying and prioritizing training and recruitment needs. In line with EU Regulation 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health, article 11 Training of healthcare staff and public health staff, Member States (MS) are tasked with assessing current workforce capacity and capability gaps. The PANDEM-2 workforce self-assessment tool aligns with this requirement and will support effective planning and development to strengthen the public health workforce capacity in EU MS.

Youth Perspective on Peace between India and Pakistan: A Quantitative Analysis

Since independence, India and Pakistan have cultivated hostile relations, over the issues such as Kashmir, civil war in East Pakistan, sharing of water resources and cross border covert operations etc. Although, the local politics in India has always been Pakistan centric, however, for the past decade, Indian national politics, particularly elections, have increasingly centered on an anti-Pakistan agenda, yielding favorable outcomes for proponents of such populist rhetoric. The younger generation, devoid of direct memories of past conflicts, is being swayed by narratives surrounding Kashmir, border skirmishes, and cross-border terrorism. The youth on both sides of the border have not seen an active war since the 1999 Kargil crises. Policy makers, politicians and defenders in Pakistan and India have not made efforts to apprise themselves with the opinion of youth that how do they see the hostilities between the two countries. This research is an attempt to explore the impact of propaganda and political exploitation regarding cross-border threats on the opinion of youth in both countries. Understanding the perceptions and insights of the youth regarding bilateral relations and conflicts is crucial for fostering peace in the region. Such studies are imperative for potential peace initiatives, future inter-state relations, trade perspectives and progressive interdependencies.

Integration through Expansive Unification: The Birth of the European Health Union

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic pushed the European Union (EU) to centralize several public health functions. With the European Health Union (EHU) initiative, four reforms have been adopted to strengthen the EU’s health security framework: the extension of the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s mandates, the creation of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, and the upgrading of the Decision on serious cross-border threats to health. This article analyses the reconfiguration of authority patterns resulting from these reforms. It argues that the EHU exemplifies a distinct mode of integration (expansive unification) in which national sovereignty is not transferred to the center but is jointly exercised at the center. This mode of integration is suitable for capacity building in core state domains when functional needs confront reluctance from constituent units to surrender control.

ІМПЕРАТИВИ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ У СУЧАСНОМУ СВІТІ: СТРАТЕГІЇ І ЗАГРОЗИ

The article examines the key aspects and modern challenges affecting the economic security of states in the conditions of globalization and the rapidly changing international situation. Factors such as technological change, cyber threats, climate risks, social inequalities, and global financial instability that significantly affect the resilience of national economies are analyzed. It emphasizes the need for international cooperation and coordination of efforts between states to effectively counter cross-border threats to economic security, the importance of implementing innovative technologies and modern data analysis methods for forecasting and preventing economic risks, which contributes to the development of effective policies and tools aimed at increasing the level of economic security in today’s the world Based on a comprehensive analysis, strategies and measures aimed at minimizing the negative effects of these factors, strengthening economic stability and ensuring long-term stable development are proposed. It was determined that economic security is a multifaceted and complex problem that requires coordinated actions at all levels of management – from local to global. The need for constant updating and adaptation of economic security strategies in accordance with changing conditions and new challenges is substantiated, which includes continuous training, exchange of experience and development of professional competencies of specialists in the field of economic security. Taking into account the content of the concepts of "economy", "security" and the specifics of the concept of "imperative", for a deeper understanding and effective response to the challenges of economic security in the modern world, further research is needed, aimed at identifying the vulnerabilities of economic systems, developing effective strategies for countering threats and creating favorable environment for sustainable economic growth. The article represents an important contribution to the scientific understanding and practical solution of economic security problems, offering a comprehensive analysis of current challenges and threats, the development of strategies to effectively overcome them, offering a systematic approach to solving current problems in this field.

ENTRY-EXIT SYSTEM SCOPE, API/PNR CAPABILITY WEAKNESS

The practical recommendations for the application of Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record System (API / PNR) were described in the article with the aim to use such system as a counteracting cross-border threats tool. Biometrics establishes a strong link between a document and its holder only if all electronic security features (signatures) are reviewed. That is the critical point of all system. Many EU countries don’t have Public key infrastructure in place and can’t use the mentioned security functions. There no joint EU system. Only ICAO has a commercial Public key directory, which provides PKI functions to some countries. Specific digital algorithms know and do many things better, like people, and can make a significant improvement. The order of actions for system implementing is proposed. He will be responsible for Risk assessment, Biometric verification accuracy, and Document verification. It is mandatory to improve data management, mostly to cover all fields and flows of data. Improve legislation related to data management for the mentioned purpose and GDPR. Besides, we have to invest more in automatic border control systems infrastructure. It is mandatory to centralize Public Key Infrastructure and Certificates master list management and validation. All measures will increase public security and save innocent lives from cross border crimes.

Population health as a component of public security: the experience of the European Union and Ukraine

The scientific article, taking into account the original concept of public safety, examines the European experience and domestic approaches to public health protection in a comprehensive, risk-oriented and preventive mode. The urgency of the investigated issues is shown not only in national, but also in international dimensions. The EU initiative on health security (2020-2025), which aims to create a regional workforce responsible for the prevention and control of infectious disease challenges and strengthen regional cooperation to overcome cross-border health security threats, has been positively evaluated. It is established that the outbreak of COVID-19 in the world has created new "opportunities" for organized criminal groups, given that law enforcement agencies are actively involved in resolving crisis situations in order to reduce the further spread of viral infection.&#x0D; From the standpoint of legal comparative analyses, the Ukrainian approach to public health protection within the national public safety program is highlighted. In particular, in Ukraine, the sphere of public security includes relations related to compliance with quarantine rules and the fight against particularly dangerous infectious diseases and epidemics. It was noted that the task of the Ukrainian authorities in the context of countering the spread and consequences of the corona crisis was not only the introduction of administrative and strengthening of criminal liability, but also the introduction at the local level of clear and specific rules of conduct during quarantine and timely and full communication of their content to the population.&#x0D; It is emphasized that the duty of citizens during large-scale threats to health is to strictly comply with regulations and requirements of competent authorities. It was determined that this directly depends, first of all, on the clear interaction of such state institutions as the bodies of the National Police, the State Emergency Service, the National Guard, local self-government bodies, communal enterprises, health care institutions, transport, human rights organizations, public associations for the protection of law and order among themselves and with the public.

8.B. Workshop: Fit for purpose surveillance - strategies to implement effective surveillance systems in EU/EEA countries under the new Serious Cross Border Health Threats Regulation (2022/2371)

Abstract Background As part of the European Health Union package, the EU Regulation 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health has entered into force on 26 December 2022. Chapter III (Articles 13-17) of this Regulation provide new provisions for Epidemiological surveillance, the Digital platform for surveillance, and EU reference laboratories. Methods Several Implementing Acts are currently in preparation, which will define in more detail the concrete implementation of these provisions, such as the list of communicable diseases, case definitions, procedures for the operation of the epidemiological network for epidemiological surveillance, the specifications of the digital platform for surveillance and its specific rules for functioning, as well as to designate EU reference laboratories. Via the EU4Health Programme, the European Commission is furthermore providing funding for Integrated Surveillance, Surveillance capacity building Results The workshop will inform on the current state of implementation, on the results of the preparatory works carried out so far as well as on an outlook to the short and longer term plans for the implementation of the regulation on serious cross-border threats to health. Furthermore, it will inform on a funding mechanism for the improvement of EU Surveillance Systems as one of the central lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and showcase a good national practice. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly illustrated that the creation and further development of sound, reliable, integrated and real-time digital surveillance systems are a very crucial component for preparedness against serious cross border health threats. The current work under the new regulation is a valuable opportunity for public health practitioners to improve surveillance at EU, national and regional level. The workshop will host panel presentations followed by a round-table discussion.

Strengthening health system resilience at the European level

Abstract The resilience testing project builds on the work carried out by the ‘Expert Panel on effective ways of investing in health’ in its ‘opinion on the organisation of resilient health and social care following the COVID-19 pandemic’, adopted on 25 November 2020 as well as the December 2020 report by the EU Expert Group on Health Systems Performance Assessment (HSPA) titled ‘Assessing the resilience of health systems in Europe: an overview of the theory, current practice and strategies for improvement’. Resilience testing may contribute to the European Semester, which addresses health system effectiveness, accessibility and resilience. The encompassing resilience assessment framework (‘the testing framework’) will serve to detect critical health system weaknesses against specific shocks as well as long-term structural challenges. This will help to develop recommendations for remedial action. The heath system resilience testing methodology will support the implementation of the Regulation on serious cross-border threats to health which envisages stress tests and simulation exercises to help the development of health system functions and preparation of prevention, preparedness and response plans. It could also support the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in their assessment activities of the prevention, preparedness and response plans. By establishing a resilience testing methodology, Member States will be able to regularly and independently review their preparedness for health crisis and check their healthcare systems’ resilience against specific high-pressure scenarios and long-term structural challenges. This action will generate insight and evidence through resilience tests and will reinforce the ability of Member States and regions to become more resilient to future shocks.

Bezpieczeństwo wschodniej granicy Polski wobec współczesnych zagrożeń transgranicznych

Modern threats are a multidimensional problem, in addition to the old and well-known, there are constantly new, dynamically changing security environments. The grounds for security threats are diverse and evolve along with the development of international relations, changes in the interests of the state and its position on the international arena. The aggressive, imperial policy of the Russian Federation is an example of this and contributes to instability in the region and seriously threatens the sovereignty of neighboring countries. Guaranteeing the security of the Polish border (especially the eastern – external of European Union) is a serious challenge and must be constantly adapted to the changing threats occurring in times of peace, crisis, and also in times of war. The author characterizes the contemporary security environment of Poland and the accompanying cross-border threats, presents the process of shaping the EU external border security system together with the current situation of the security management of the Polish state border. It also draws conclusions that the state border must still be in the center of interest of the state authorities and indicates that as a result of the current external threat to the state, there is a need to improve the cooperation of services and institutions responsible for the security of the state border in the national and international dimension.

Design, Simulation and Performance Evaluation of a Risk-Based Border Management System

Border control systems at Europe’s Schengen (and worldwide) borders are necessary to mitigate cross-border threats, but are perceived as free-traveling bottlenecks. Today’s applicable European regulations demand rule-based control schemes and do not allow risk-based elements. A policy shift towards risk-based border control has been considered in several studies and research (including HEU projects). However, there is a lack of scientific evidence on how they compare with existing rule-based schemes. This paper aims to fill that gap. The simulation allows design of a realistic border control system. The passenger flow is modeled via travelers with good and bad intents. The border control system includes decision-making elements to classify travelers into risk groups. System elements including operators and their interaction were modeled in terms of statistical distributions based on the subject matter experts’ input. The performance is estimated across security effectiveness, resource usage, passenger flow, and traveler experience. Assessment of a set of simulations reveals better scalability of risk-based systems in terms of resource usage and passenger flow. The potential factors to improve the detection rate of the border control process are also studied. Despite having several benefits, the model demonstrates that social acceptance of the risk-based system is the limiting factor for increased scalability.

Cross-border Threats, Reputational Costs and the Evolution of an Authoritarian Club: The Case of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

This article adopted a repeated stag hunt game-theoretic model to explain the evolution of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It shows that the degree of state cooperation with the SCO relates positively to the expected benefits of legitimate suppression of domestic unrest, to the material and reputational costs of enforcing anti-human rights norms, to the continuation of the three evils and to the tolerance for other members’ occasional betrayal. The SCO thus faces a dilemma. On the one hand, to sustain cooperation, it supports authoritarian leaders’ suppression of political dissidents. On the other hand, the SCO’s norms hostile towards human rights violate established international standards, thereby increasing the potential costs of mutual support. China’s global hunt for Uyghurs, the extension of membership, and Russia’s aggression in the region raise potential costs and harm the mutual trust within the SCO. These factors may gradually undermine leaders’ willingness to support the SCO.

Points of entry dynamics: understanding the cross-border threats for Ebola virus disease and COVID-19 in Ghana using a logic model approach.

The influx of people across the national borders of Ghana has been of interest and concern in the public health and national security community in recent times due to the low capacity for the prevention and management of epidemics and other public health risks. Although the international health regulations (IHR) stipulate core public health capacities for designated border facilities such as international airports, seaports, and ground crossings, contextual factors that influence the attainment of effective public health measures and response capabilities remain understudied. This study aims to assess the relationship between contextual factors and COVID-19 procurement to help strengthen infrastructure resources for points of entry (PoE) public health surveillance functions, thereby eliminating gaps in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of pandemic-related interventions in Ghana. This study employed a mixed-methods design, where quantitative variables were examined for relationships and effect size interactions using multiple linear regression techniques and the wild bootstrap technique. Country-level data was sourced from multiple publicly available sources using the social-ecological framework, logic model, and IHR capacity monitoring framework. The qualitative portion included triangulation with an expert panel to determine areas of convergence and divergence. The most general findings were that laboratory capacity and Kotoka International Airport testing center positively predicted COVID-19 procurement, and public health response and airline boarding rule negatively predicted COVID-19 procurement. Contextual understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola epidemic is vital for strengthening PoE mitigation measures and preventing disease importation.

Defence Diplomacy Activities Engendering States’ Cooperation: Addressing Contemporary Global Security Threats in Africa

Scholars and practitioners in foreign policy deemed defence diplomacy (DD) as a contradiction or ambiguous because institutions claiming to apply it were in the realm of bearing arms for coercion. In the post-Cold War era, DD emerged as leading concept in importance as an instrument of States’ foreign defence and security policies. Globalization imperatives and the pragmatic view of State security through human security perspectives, brought in knowledge on evolution of inter-State’s security challenges. Moreover, States engagement in multilateral diplomacy were on the rise to address emerging cross-border security threats. The roles of defence and security institutions were evolved with emerging security threats particularly in the realm of human security. The paper examines DD activities engendering states’ cooperation, with a view to addressing contemporary global security threats in Africa. It adopted mixed research design employing purposive sampling techniques and strategist paradigm for primary data analyses. It revealed three key DD activities engendering cooperation in African states including: foreign defence and security policy outreach, defence and security cooperation in education and training, and defence and security partnerships cooperation. It concludes that application of DD activities engenders African states cooperation in promotion of peace and security. Finally, the paper recommends that, the African States’ policymakers, particularly in sub-regional security mechanism, should leverage defence diplomacy to promote cooperation between their defence and security institutions.