Risk Communication Activities Research Articles

COVID 19 Vaccination implementation among preparatory school students in Akaki Kality Sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has affected 229 countries and territories. Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent and slow down transmission of COVID 19. Since students in school setting share teaching rooms, sport facilities, and other facilities like toilet and cafeteria, and have a higher number of social contacts, this study aimed to assess implementation of Vaccination against COVID 19 among preparatory school selected secondary preparatory schools in Akaki Kality Sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Descriptive cross sectional study design using multistage random sampling technique was conducted among secondary school students in Akaki Kality sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March 01 – 25, 2023. A total of 349 students proportionally allocated to five schools in Akaki Kality sub city were interviewed and focus group discussion were conducted with five catchment health center immunization focal persons. In this study, preparatory students had 44.6% knowledge and 17.5% practice regarding COVID 19 vaccination. Religion, residence, and the educational level of students’ parent were found associated with students’ knowledge on vaccination against COVID 19. Previous COVID 19 illness and knowledge of students were found to be associated with students’ vaccination practice against COVID 19. In comparison to other studies, relatively limited knowledge and poor practice were observed. Knowledge was found to be associated with students’ practices indicating the need for strengthening behavioral, risk communication and community engagement activities using religious leaders and different communication platforms. Additionally, to address vaccine related shortages, partnerships should be strengthened at different levels to enable direct purchases, utilization of group financing and donation options.

Using value chain approaches to evaluate the end-to-end warning chain

Abstract. The weather information value chain provides a framework for characterising the production, communication, and use of information by all stakeholders in an end-to-end warning system covering weather and hazard monitoring, modelling and forecasting, risk assessment, communication and preparedness activities. Warning services are typically developed and provided through a multitude of complex and malleable value chains (networks), often established through co-design, co-creation and co-provision. In November 2020, a 4-year international project under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) World Weather Research Programme was instigated to explore value chain approaches to describe and evaluate warning systems for high impact weather by integrating physical and social science. It aims to create a framework with guidance and tools for using value chain approaches, and to develop a database of high impact weather warning case studies for scientists and practitioners to review, analyse and learn from previous experience using value chain approaches. Here we describe a template for high-impact weather event case study collection that provides a tool for scientists and practitioners involved in researching, designing and evaluating weather-related warning systems to review previous experience of high impact weather events and assess their efficacy.

Marburg virus disease: lesson learned from the first outbreak encounter in Tanzania

Marburg virus disease: lesson learned from the first outbreak encounter in Tanzania

“Striking the right balance”: tensions in municipal risk communication management for preparedness

PurposeThe aim of the study is to deepen the knowledge about municipalities' risk communication for preparedness. This objective was pursued by analyzing how risk communication functions were organized in municipalities and by scrutinizing tensions in risk communication management.Design/methodology/approachThe study relies on 19 qualitative, semi-structured interviews with communication practitioners in Swedish municipalities. The sample was purposive and included Swedish municipalities varying in number of inhabitants, geographical location, degree of urbanization, size and risk profile.FindingsRisk communication is seen as a sub-field of crisis communication in municipalities' communication management. The task of initiating risk communication activities and campaigns is frequently assigned to the municipalities' safety units or emergency coordinators and is normally not part of communication practitioners' duties. Municipal communication practitioners often face challenges in trying to demonstrate the significance of the practitioners' role in risk communication and other risk-related activities within the municipality. The practitioners' work is characterized by four categories of tensions that are identified as follows: constitutional/legal, organizational, cultural and technological.Practical implicationsThe identified tensions in risk communication are important for reflexive practitioners to consider, and the paper suggests three steps that municipal communication managers can take to handle them.Originality/valueThe study contributes with novel knowledge about municipal communication management in a context of risk communication. The study challenges the existing and dominant risk communication research and offers a more contextual and reflexive understanding of actual risk communication processes in municipalities.

Federal incentives for community-level climate adaptation: an evaluation of FEMA’s Community Rating System

In response to growing threats of climate change, the US federal government is increasingly supporting community-level investments in resilience to natural hazards. As such federal programs become more widespread, evaluating their efficiency and equity is essential. The Community Rating System (CRS), which is part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), is a promising example of a federal policy designed to reduce flood losses by providing financial incentives for local climate adaptation. In exchange for community engagement in a range of risk communication and risk reduction activities, CRS provides discounts on NFIP premiums ranging from 5% to 45%. Using national-scale NFIP claims, policies, and CRS data between 1998 and 2020, we assess the program, asking whether it has been effective in reducing flood losses, how it can be improved, and what lessons it holds for similar programs. We find that participation in CRS is associated with reduced flood damage, with the percent reduction in claims roughly proportional to NFIP premium discounts. Among CRS activities, those related to ‘Flood Damage Reduction’ are most effective in reducing flood losses and are associated with a 20%–30% decrease in NFIP claims. Between 1998 and 2020, cumulative damage reductions attributable to CRS were $11.4 billion; over the same period, cumulative NFIP premium discounts were $12.1 billion. This close match is an endorsement of CRS historically and supports its future continuation. To improve the efficiency and equity of CRS, we recommend that Federal Emergency Management Agency: (a) reexamine the surcharge levied on NFIP premiums that cross-subsidizes premium discounts, and (b) allocate greater resources towards supporting participation among smaller, under-resourced communities. In general, CRS serves as an effective model for other federal market-based programs seeking to stimulate community-level investment in climate resilience.

Risk communication during health emergencies in Nigeria: What are its challenges?

Although globalization has been advantageous in facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services, the ease of movement of cross-border pathogens has increased the risk of international public health emergencies in recent years. Risk communication is an integral part of every country's response during public health emergencies such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. To effectively increase adherence to guidelines during health emergencies, it is essential to understand the impact of social, cultural, political, and environmental factors on people's behaviours and lifestyles in any given context, as well as how these factors influence people's perception of risks. During the recent response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, the need to comprehend these influences was pronounced, and these influences ultimately shaped risk communication in Nigeria. We have identified risk communication challenges in Nigeria based on sociocultural diversity, the complexity of the health system, the impact of social media on communications, and other contextual factors surrounding multisectoral partnerships. To achieve global health security, these challenges must be addressed in resourceconstrained countries like Nigeria. In this paper, we emphasize the need to contextualize risk communication strategies in order to improve their effectiveness during health emergencies. In addition, we urge increased country commitment to a multi-hazard and multisectoral effort, deliberate investment in subnational risk communication systems, and investments in capacity building for risk communication activities.

Perceptions and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines amongst undergraduate students in a tertiary institution in Lagos State.

COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the world, causing deaths in different countries. Fortunately, production of its vaccine has brought some tranquillity, and Nigeria was not left behind. This study aimed to determine the role of knowledge and perception towards the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine amidst undergraduate students of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 170 students at the University of Lagos using a multi-stage sampling method. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demography, knowledge, perception, acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Data were analysed utilising SPSS Version 26. The level of significance was at P < 0.05. Majority of respondents 125 (73.5%) had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine and 87 (51.2%) respondents attributed source of information to social media. Although many 99 (58.2%) respondents had positive perceptions of the vaccine, few 16 (9.4%) had taken the vaccine. Less than quarter 24 (22.1%) planned to receive COVID-19 vaccine while majority 120 (77.9%) had no plans to, cite safety concerns. There was a statistically significant association between age (P = 0.001), level of training (P = 0.034) and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. The level of uptake of COVID-19 vaccine was poor amongst undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Lagos. Age and level of training of respondents were factors associated with poor uptake. It is recommended that the section of university responsible for sharing of information amongst students organises risk communication activities targeted at specific areas about COVID-19 vaccine to improve vaccine uptake amongst students.

Delivering actionable infodemic insights and recommendations for the COVID-19 pandemic response

Abstract Issue The COVID-19 pandemic and current recovery efforts have been complicated by a parallel infodemic. The infodemic has manifested itself in the rapid spread of questions, concerns and misinformation that can affect population attitudes and behavior harmful to health -promoting stigma and discrediting science, non-recommended treatments and cures, politicizing health programs and eroding trust in health workers and health systems. Description WHO's COVID-19 Pillar 2 (risk communication, community engagement and infodemic management) developed an integrated public health infodemic insights methodology for weekly analysis of social media, traditional media and other data sources to identify, categorize, and understand the key concerns and narratives expressed, and inform risk communication and response activities. Results The infodemic characterization, integrated analysis and insights generation consisted of a 3-step mixed-methods approach. First, data was collected from publicly available social and news media and categorized into categories of conversations by a COVID-19 public health taxonomy. Second, the dataset was analyzed and compared week-on-week to identify changes in narratives and conversation sentiment. Third, the digital infodemic intelligence was reviewed by a group of subject matter experts and triangulated with other data sources to derive infodemic insights and provide recommendations for action for the week. The methodology has been applied to inform COVID-19 response, COVID-19 vaccine demand promotion, and preparing for mass gatherings or mass immunization campaigns. Lessons The methodology for infodemic intelligence generation and integration has introduced evidence-based analytical practices for generation of infodemic insights and recommendations for action into the work of WHO. It must be further adapted for use by different health programmes and preparedness functions, and is described WHO Field Infodemiology Manual. Key messages • Health authorities can use infodemic insights to respond to people’s concerns, questions and information deficits in a timely and effective manner. • An evidence-based methodology has been developed and validated to generate infodemic insights and recommendations for action during an acute health event or emergency.

Risk İletişiminde Geleneksel Medya: Gazete Haberlerinin Deprem Felaketleri Örnekleminde Analizi

Bireylerin doğal afetler hakkındaki bilgilerini ve risk algılarını şekillendirmede önemli bir rol oynayan medya, bu niteliği ile risk ve afet yönetiminin ayrılmaz bir parçasıdır. Türkiye için en yüksek doğal afet riskleri arasında ilk sırada yer alan depreme yönelik, medya aracılığıyla gerçekleştirilecek iletişim faaliyetlerinin niteliği, hedeflemesi, içeriği ve yoğunluğu da özel bir düzenlemeyi ve önemi gerektirmektedir. Afetler sırasında ve sonrasında olduğu kadar başta deprem olmak üzere tüm afetlere ilişkin riskler için de birincil bilgilenme, tutum geliştirme ve davranışa dönüştürme kaynağını medya oluşturmaktadır. Bu bakış açısından hareketle, geleneksel medyanın en önemli araçlarından biri olan gazetelerin depreme ilişkin içeriklerinin analizi çalışmanın odağını oluşturmuştur. Gazetelerin, deprem riski içeriklerindeki bilgi, kaynak, aktör, yoğunluk, genişlik ve tekrar düzeylerinin saptanması amacıyla, Basın İlan Kurumu 2021 yılı tiraj verileri temel alınmış ve buna göre en yüksek satış rakamına sahip Sabah, Hürriyet, Sözcü, Posta, Milliyet ve Türkiye gazetelerinden oluşan örneklem üzerinde, yakın zamanda yaşanmış İstanbul ve İzmir depremlerine ilişkin haberlere, nitel araştırma yönteminin bir tekniği olarak içerik analizi uygulanmıştır. Araştırmada medyanın sadece depremin yaşanmasının ardından konuyu yoğun olarak haberleştirdiği, konuyla ilgisinin ancak afet ile birlikte oluştuğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca, depreme yönelik açıklama ve bilgilendirme yapan aktörlerin, depremin toplumsal etkilerine göre değişiklik gösterdiği, riskin iletişimine yönelik anlamlı bir çalışmanın söz konusu olmadığı ve depreme yönelik haberlerin gündeme geliş zaman, biçim ve oranlarının medya organları açısından oldukça benzerlik taşıdığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Araştırma bulguları, ülkenin sahip olduğu en büyük risklerden biri olan depreme ilişkin ‘risk iletişimi’nde, medyanın kurumsal olarak taşıdığı işlev, önem ve sorumlulukların yeniden tartışılmaya muhtaç olduğunu göstermektedir.

Health and nutrition emergency response among internally displaced persons at Ranch collective site, Chagni, Ethiopia: The role of emergency operation center, lessons from the field, and way forwards.

BackgroundIn October 2020, about 79,041 ethnically Amhara/Agew people had been internally displaced (IDPs) from Metekel zone of Benishangul-Gumuz region and lived in Ranch collective site, Chagni town, Ethiopia. Onsite PHEOC met the health and nutrition needs of the IDPs as per international humanitarian response standards.MethodsOn January 11/2021, the Amhara Public Health Institute (APHI) established an onsite Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) at Ranch collective site. Health workers and vehicles were deployed. A temporary clinic having nine outlets was built. Drugs and medical supplies were mobilized from different sources. The overall response period lasted about 8 months, from December 2020 up to June 2021.ResultsA total of 33,410 IDPs had received free essential health services. Mental health and psychosocial support services had been given for 1,803 cases. Specialized medical services such as trachomatous trichiasis (30), cataract surgery (8) and sputum samples for mycobacterium tuberculosis (120) have been done. Moreover, 454 women received antenatal care services and 137 women gave birth at health facilities. About 837 children have got measles supplementary dose and 1,280 adults took a COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 1,448 children under five, 454 pregnant and 402 lactating women had been screened on monthly basis. Of which, severe and moderate malnutrition rate was 46 (3.2%) and 75 (5.2%), respectively. A total of 194 trench latrine seats, 74 shower rooms and 50 hand washing facilities had been constructed. There were no human feces present nor solid wastes accumulated around the shelters or settlements. Both active and passive surveillance activities were carried out throughout the camp life. We also conducted regularly Risk Communication and Community Engagement activities on priority health issues.ConclusionWe adequately met the health and nutrition needs of the IDPs as stated in the Sphere humanitarian handbook. We sought to have a strong Incident Management System and coordination platforms like PHEOC, a resilient health system, a training curriculum called Leading in Emergencies, and a multipurpose collective center with infrastructures, humanitarian response guidelines, training materials, and risk/vulnerability-based preparedness plan.

Effectiveness and quality of risk communication process in Ethiopia: The case of risk communication during cholera outbreak in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BackgroundWHO states risk communication as the conversation of actual information, guidance, and thoughts between specialists and people fronting risks to their well-being, economic or social safety. As risk communication activities are complex and costly usually, evaluation assessment are the best approach to advance risk communication interventions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of risk communication and the quality of health communication materials developed during the 2019 cholera outbreak at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based parallel mixed design was conducted from May to June 2020 at Addis Ababa. A total of 605 adults were selected randomly from Addis Ketema sub-city and ten purposely selected adults were interviewed for qualitative data. In addition eight health communication materials on cholera were randomly selected for evaluation. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. After audio recorded interviews transcribed verbatim and translated into English the qualitative data were entered into open code version 4.02 for analysis. And then the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultRespondents exposed for cholera related messages and outbreak information were 71.8% and 52.7% respectively. Respondents have moderate knowledge for cholera with (M = 14.72 and SD ±4.02) with (0–34) scale range. Both Television and radio spots were found as simple and easy to understand and printed health communication materials score low quality. Poor documentation, lack of data management system and less attention for risk communication activities were identified as a gaps in risk communication in the study settings.Conclusionthis study revealed the positive effects of risk communication messages in increasing individuals’ knowledge. Even though the risk communication spots were found to be simple and easy to understand, the quality of printed materials was low and less attention was given for the risk-communication activities. Thus, strengthening the quality of risk communication and materials development process is very important to bring desired effects in disease prevention strategies and for effective emergency responses in the future.

화학물질 취급 사업장의 생산자와 지역주민의 리스크 커뮤니케이션에 관한 연구

The study focused on the possibility of chemical accidents (fire, explosion, leakage) centered on the Daesan Petrochemical Complex, which is a densely populated area for chemical substances handling business sites, and 201 producers and 82 local residents were investigated. The purpose of this study was to present a risk communication plan by identifying the significant differences in risk perception, prevention (control) possibility, and fear of consequences (damage) for risk factors of fire, explosion, and leakage. The level of risk awareness and fear of damage of local residents was higher than that of producers at chemical substances handling business sites, and it was recognized that prevention (control) of accidents was difficult. For effective risk communication with producers of chemical substances handling workplaces and local residents, it is required to plan and operate risk communication activities in the direction of bridging the gap of risk perception and fear of harm between stakeholder together. ‘Odors or other anomalie’s is a practically controllable variable and it can be used to reduce the risk perception of local residents by thoroughly preventing its occurrence. In future research, it will be necessary to utilize risk communication between producers and local residents of various chemical substances handling business sites.

COVID-19 risk perception and protective behaviour among service providers at Yangon international airport

Background: International travel and trade have been increasing at the greatest rate around the world and at the same time, several emerging and re-emerging public health emergencies are threatening the safety of people. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and protective behaviour of COVID-19 among the service providers at the major designated point of entry in Myanmar.Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out among 216 service providers at Yangon international airport by using online telephone interviews during 2020. Participants with at least 6 months duration of working service (both private and public sectors) in their current area were included. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors influencing the protective behaviour of COVID-19. Results: All participants have heard about the COVID-19 pandemic and about (63%) also knew that coronavirus was the causal organism of the pandemic. Of 216 participants, only 18.5% had a low knowledge level. Overall good perception level towards COVID-19 was moderate to high. Majority (81.5%) reported good protective behaviour. Knowledge and perception of participants on COVID-19 did not influence the protective behaviour in this study, however, female (aOR=6.64, 95%CI=1.85, 22.61), and those who had long working hours (12 hours shift) (aOR=3.36, 95% CI=1.60, 7.05) had better protective behaviour on COVID-19. Conclusions: Although few service providers with limited knowledge and protective behaviour, most had good perception levels on COVID-19. Regular risk communication and awareness-raising activities were needed to increase the protective behaviours among the service providers at the airports.

Public Flood Risk Mitigation and the Homeowner’s Insurance Demand Response

This article investigates the influence of public risk mitigating activities on individuals’ decisions to privately mitigate their disaster risks through changes in their risk perceptions. We exploit heterogeneity in measures under the U.S. Community Rating System to empirically demonstrate that public investment in flood risk communication activities crowds in individuals’ flood insurance demand, while activities that lower the flood hazard residents face crowd out individuals’ flood insurance demand. We contribute to the discussion of the efficacy of disaster risk mitigation strategies and who ultimately bears the costs of natural disasters.

Assessment of preventive behavior and associated factors towards COVID-19 in Qellam Wallaga Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

The world is being challenged by the COVID-19 outbreak that resulted in a universal concern and economic hardship. It is a leading public health emergency across the globe in general and developing countries in particular. Strengthening good preventive behavior is the best way to tackle such pandemics. The study assessed preventive behavior and associated factors towards COVID-19 among residents of Qellam Wallaga Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2020. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected by interview and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Binomial logistic regression was used to test the association between the variables. An Adjusted Prevalence with 95% CI was used to express the associations and interpret the findings. Among 634 participants, 417(65.8%) were from urban residences, and 347 (54.7%) belongs to a female. Age ranges 18 years through 87 years. Only 68(10.7%) participants showed good preventive behavior for COVID-19. The majority of them (84.7%) perceived that the disease is very dangerous and 450(71.0%) of them believe that they are at high risk. More than 17% of the respondents have sufficient knowledge. Respondents with sufficient knowledge about COVID-19 were about 2 times more likely to exercise good preventive behavior compare to those with insufficient knowledge, [(APR: 2.1; 95% CI: [1.2, 3.9)]. The urban residents was 3.3 more than that of rural residents to practice good preventive behavior, [(APR: 3.3; 95% CI: [1.6, 6.4)]. Respondents who use social media as a source of information were more than 2 times more likely to have good preventive behavior compared to those who did not, [(APR: 2.3; 95% CI: [1.3, 3.4)]. Adoptions of COVID-19 preventive behavior in the study population is very low. Due emphasis should be given to rural residents. Risk communication activities should be strengthened through effective community engagement to slow down and stop the transmssion of the disease in the community.

Mapping the coordination and cooperation mechanisms of risk communication on feed/food safety in the EU.

The mapping of the EU coordination and cooperation mechanisms of risk communication in the field of food safety (i.e. encompassing all matters pertaining to the feed and food chain) was conducted for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), following a mandate by the European Commission, to inform the General Plan for Risk Communication that the Commission will set out. This study focuses on communication activities in 'peacetime' situations (i.e. non-crisis) on the published outputs of risk assessment and risk management. This is a specific part of the risk communication process defined in the General Food Law. Data were collected through an online survey of competent authority organisations involved in risk communication at national and regional levels in the EU-27 Member States and Norway; and interviews with selected organisations at Member State, EU and international levels. Based on these data, this report provides an overview of the current information flow of risk communication, in terms of whether and how organisations at all levels receive, produce, and disseminate risk communication material. The existing flows in each country are described and mapped in flow charts. Flows are also presented for each of the EU/international organisations involved in risk communication on food safety. A number of relevant networks are identified that actively engage in sharing/exchanges of risk communication material on food safety, including networks managed by EFSA. This project also highlighted certain challenges in current risk communication systems, and recommendations are made to address them. At national level, these are: an increase in resources dedicated to coordinating communication on EU food safety issues, to improve capacity to undertake this task; strengthen the cooperation and coordination between authorities involved in risk communication activities to ensure a more proactive approach. In addition, recommendations are provided to enhance further collaboration of communication activities at all levels (between Member States and with EFSA; between EU Agencies), so that the coordination of risk communication at EU level follows a partnership approach.

Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak: Strengthening infection prevention and control measures to reduce hospital-acquired infection

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of international concern and now the overall risk of transmission at global level has also been decided as very high based on the available facts. The effective containment of the infection will require a coordinated response from multiple stakeholders and strengthening of infection prevention and control (IPC), surveillance, diagnostics, treatment, risk communication, and research activities. Among all, it will be ideal to give more emphasis toward IPC as it is a major domain in prevention and mitigation of the ongoing outbreak. It is quite obvious that giving only attention to personal protective equipment will not accomplish significant gains unless it is well supported by administrative, environmental, and engineering interventions. In conclusion, in the battle against the COVID-19, the IPC measures need to be strengthened extensively both in hospital and community settings and thus specific attention has to be given toward the same.

INFORMATION SOURCES SUPPORTING MANAGERIAL DECISIONS ON HEALTH CARE IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SITUATIONS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF COVID-19 MANAGEMENT)

Abstract. In light of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), we carried out a regular review of the information resources of international organizations specializing in combating infectious diseases, as well as governmental and intergovernmental organizations of the world's leading countries with strong economies and stringent regulatory systems in January-December 2020.&#x0D; The analysis of the materials accumulated on the monitoring results revealed some differences in the legislation and practice of health care organization in Ukraine. First of all, this is a small number of registered clinical trials on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, as well as the lack of permit to use medicines for the indications which are not in basic prescribing information, in particular, "compassionate treatment" programs or emergency access to medicines, which are in clinical trials.&#x0D; In the absence of traditional evidence of the health interventions effectiveness, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of identifying reliable information sources, transparency, quick and widespread information disclosure and experience exchange on challenging issues of resource and risk management, communication and public health activities, discussion of organizational forms and clinical activities in public health in the vast majority of countries. The establishment of independent monitoring and analytical centers, the participation of professional communities in various studies is an example of the rapid scientific data acquisition and supporting recommendations on various aspects of countering the pandemic.&#x0D; Based on the analysis of international data published in reliable sources, the legislation has been changed in Ukraine, the approaches to planning the transformation of the health care system have been identified to increase its resistance to the infectious diseases epidemic, the quarantine measures and other restrictions have been justified, the standards of medical and pharmaceutical care have been presented, the measures to ensure the availability of medical care for patients with health disorders of other etiologies and priority areas for the development of health care facilities to protect medical staff and patients have been identified.

Earlier Outbreak Detection-A Generic Model and Novel Methodology to Guide Earlier Detection Supported by Data From Low- and Mid-Income Countries.

Infectious disease outbreaks can have significant impact on individual health, national economies, and social well-being. Through early detection of an infectious disease, the outbreak can be contained at the local level, thereby reducing adverse effects on populations. Significant time and funding have been invested to improve disease detection timeliness. However, current evaluation methods do not provide evidence-based suggestions or measurements on how to detect outbreaks earlier. Key conditions for earlier detection and their influencing factors remain unclear and unmeasured. Without clarity about conditions and influencing factors, attempts to improve disease detection remain ad hoc and unsystematic.Methods: We developed a generic five-step disease detection model and a novel methodology to use for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Data was collected in two workshops in Southeast Europe (n = 33 participants) and Southern and East Africa (n = 19 participants), representing mid- and low-income countries. Through systematic, qualitative, and quantitative data analyses, we identified key conditions for earlier detection and prioritized factors that influence them. As participants joined a workshop format and not an experimental setting, no ethics approval was required.Findings: Our analyses suggest that governance is the most important condition for earlier detection in both regions. Facilitating factors for earlier detection are risk communication activities such as information sharing, communication, and collaboration activities. Impeding factors are lack of communication, coordination, and leadership.Interpretation: Governance and risk communication are key influencers for earlier detection in both regions. However, inadequate technical capacity, commonly assumed to be a leading factor impeding early outbreak detection, was not found a leading factor. This insight may be used to pinpoint further improvement strategies.

Digital Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundThe first case of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia was confirmed on March 3, 2020. Saudi Arabia, like many other countries worldwide, implemented lockdown of most public and private services in response to the pandemic and established population movement restrictions nationwide. With the implementation of these strict mitigation regulations, technology and digital solutions have enabled the provision of essential services.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper is to highlight how Saudi Arabia has used digital technology during the COVID-19 pandemic in the domains of public health, health care services, education, telecommunication, commerce, and risk communication.MethodsWe documented the use of digital technology in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic using publicly available official announcements, press briefings and releases, news clips, published data, peer-reviewed literature, and professional discussions.ResultsSaudi Arabia’s government and private sectors combined developed and launched approximately 19 apps and platforms that serve public health functions and provide health care services. A detailed account of each is provided. Education processes continued using an established electronic learning infrastructure with a promising direction toward wider adoption in the future. Telecommunication companies exhibited smooth collaboration as well as innovative initiatives to support ongoing efforts. Risk communication activities using social media, websites, and SMS text messaging followed best practice guides.ConclusionsThe Saudi Vision 2030 framework, released in 2017, has paved the path for digital transformation. COVID-19 enabled the promotion and testing of this transition. In Saudi Arabia, the use of artificial intelligence in integrating different data sources during future outbreaks could be further explored. Also, decreasing the number of mobile apps and merging their functions could increase and facilitate their use.