The response to the COVID-19 pandemic have been driven by epidemiology, health system characteristics and control measures in form of social/physical distancing. Guidance, information and best practices have been characterized by territorial thinking with concentration on national health system and social contexts. Information was to a large extent provided from global entities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others. This bipolar response mechanism came to the detriment of regional and sub-regional levels. The development of the global pandemic was evaluated in terms of the performance of single countries without trying to reflect on possible regional or sub-regional results of similar characteristics in health system and social contexts. To have a clearer view of the issue of sub-regional similarities, we examined the WHO, Eastern Mediterranean Region. When examining the development of confirmed cases for countries in the region, we identified four different sub-groups similar in the development of the pandemic and the social distancing measure implemented. Despite the complicated situation, these groups gave space for thinking outside the box of traditional outbreaks or pandemic response. We think that this sub-regional approach could be very effective in addressing more characteristics and not geographically based analysis. Furthermore, this can be an area of additional conceptual approaches, modelling and concrete platforms for information and lessons learned exchange.

An incident tracing system (ITS) is an online rapid assessment system to track and monitor disasters that may affect the country. A mixed method used to collect needed data to conduct the research (documents, interviews, and observations). It is composed of a set of modules implemented by a coordinated group of humanitarian experts to support the core functions that should be undertaken in disasters. The tools implemented for disaster risk management program monitoring. The initiative was focused on linking the humanitarian actors and providing a platform for collaboration. This collaborative online platform should facilitate interaction and assist the exchange of knowledge. This paper proposes the implementation of ITS as a comprehensive knowledge management system for disaster management with a sustainable data collection mechanism for reliable and timely information management to support decision makers in making the right decisions in a timely manner. ITS explains how KM can be brought to non-normal situations (disasters) and decision-making in disaster management practice. In a country like Sudan, ITS has played a valuable role in achieving disaster management objectives by leveraging existing knowledge, converting new knowledge into action and aid in early warning.

Background: In public health, decisions are mainly taken based on data and a move is needed towards evidence-based decision. Healthcare can profit from the several benefits that Knowledge management (KM) can provide. Several challenges still need to be overcome, some of which concern KM and others of which are specific to healthcare. Knowledge management is a discipline that has become an established part of many applications and techniques, but its adoption in healthcare has been challenging. This is because the healthcare sector tends to rely on knowledge and evidence-based medicine in the performance of its daily healthcare activities. Methods: Bottom-up KM strategy is used for the study as the research is conducted into the activities of staff involved in key business processes. Interviews are conducted with participants selected by mixed purposeful sampling consisting of expert sampling (experience of health emergencies and indicators) and convenience sampling (ease of accessibility). Direct workplace observation is also used to obtain findings. A qualitative methodology is used in order to understand the findings. Results: The study investigated the importance of KM support to public health and to the work performance during health emergencies. The research framework explores various aspects of KM to provide a clear understanding of KM and how it may affect the work performance during health emergencies in Sudan.Conclusions: The key outcomes of the research findings associated to Knowledge management support to public health in humanitarian emergency are offered such as improve disaster risk management knowledge base system, strengthen central emergency expert team and KM support to the application of health indicators of emergency.