Core Capacities for Public Health Emergencies of International Concern at Ground Crossings: A Case Study from North India

Abstract

Objective:International airports, ports, and ground crossings are required to have health units for undertaking public health measures during routine times and specific measures during the time of public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This study was conducted at a ground crossing of North India to assess the implementation status of International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) at a ground crossing in the prevention and control of public health emergencies and to assess the risk of imported infections from a ground crossing.Methods:A qualitative study was conducted at the selected point of entry. The World Health Organization (WHO) core capacity assessment tool and in-depth interviews were used for data collection in the form of meetings and visits to isolation sites, and general observations were conducted regarding facilities on routine and other infrastructure and equipment that can be used during emergencies. Respondents were recruited using purposive methods.Results:The findings reveal that there is lack of awareness among the travelers, which increases the risks of spreading diseases. The overall implementation status at the ground crossing according to the assessment conducted using WHO Tool was 76%. It showed the need for further strengthening of the implementation at the site. Gaps were identified regarding the local capacity for handling chemical, radiological and nuclear hazards, and shortage of regular staff through stakeholders.Conclusion:The findings from this study, as well as the suggestions and recommendations given by stakeholders, should help revise the current strategies of action. Hence, the gaps identified should be fulfilled to better respond to PHEIC at the ground crossings.

Assessing core capacities for addressing public health emergencies of international concern at designated points of entry in cameroon during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Our findings shown that significant improvement is required to acquire the IHR routine capacities at POEs while in India, they were fairly consistent with IHR requirements at ground crossings(83%) [ 13 ]. Access to medical care at POEs, especially airports is generally provided.…”

“…We found that overall, the POEs assessed in Cameroon need significant improvement (score below 50%) to fulfill the IHR requirements. Cameroun POE therefore has longer way to go compared to other developing countries such as Uruguay [ 12 ] and India [ 13 ] where IHR capacities need just few improvements to meet IHR standards. This poor performance of POEs in Cameroon can be attributed to the unilateral designation of the POEs by the Ministry of Public Health.…”

“…Good coordination networks are the best solution to the implementation of policy, program, or project [ 15 ]. Significant improvement is needed to strengthen this capacity in Cameroon for all types of POEs(score below 50%) while in India, findings show that some improvement was needed to build this capacity in ground crossings(76%) [ 13 ]. Our findings highlighted a strong correlation between “ Coordination and communication ” and “core capacities at all time” and between “ Core capacities at all times ” and “Core capacities for responding to PHEICs.…”

“…They further indicated that building and maintaining these open lines of communication between neighbouring nations are critical to effectively respond to disease and environmental issues at cross borders level. This allows stakeholders to exchange their insights, build relationships and identify areas for future joint improvements that can be incorporated into guidelines for IHR implementation, especially at ground crossings [ 13 ]. This approach may seem very useful to Cameroun which is circled by six countries and still struggling to establish solid functioning POE system.…”

“…Indeed, health care workers had little information or understanding and were unsure about the objectives of IHR [ 2 ]. In the contrary, in India, the stakeholders reported a good understanding of the HIR implementation and the measures that need to be taken during routine and emergencies [ 13 ]. The port and ground crossing in Cameroon need significant improvement with regard to availability of trained personnel for inspection of conveyances.…”