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- Title
A descriptive assessment of the National Institute of Public Health's contribution to the COVID-19 response in Cambodia, 2020-2021.
- Authors
Chhim, Srean; Vong, Wuddhika In; Pa, Kimsorn; Chhorn, Chanboroth; Housen, Tambri; Parry, Amy Elizabeth; Van Damme, Wim; Ir, Por; Chhea, Chhorvann
- Abstract
Objective: This paper examines the contributions made by the National Institute of Public Health to Cambodia's response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic during 2020-2021. Methods: The activities conducted by the Institute were compared with adaptations of the nine pillars of the World Health Organization's 2020 COVID-19 strategic preparedness and response plan. To gather relevant evidence, we reviewed national COVID-19 testing data, information about COVID-19-related events documented by Institute staff, and financial and technical reports of the Institute's activities. Results: The main contributions the Institute made were to the laboratory pillar and the incident management and planning pillar. The Institute tested more than 50% of the 2 575 391 samples for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing and provided technical advice about establishing 18 new laboratories for SARS-CoV-2 testing in the capital city of Phnom Penh and 11 provinces. The Institute had representatives on many national committees and coauthored national guidelines for implementing rapid COVID-19 testing, preventing transmission in health-care facilities and providing treatment. The Institute contributed to six other pillars, but had no active role in risk communication and community engagement. Discussion: The Institute's support was essential to the COVID-19 response in Cambodia, especially for laboratory services and incident management and planning. Based on the contributions made by the Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic, continued investment in it will be critical to allow it to support responses to future health emergencies in Cambodia.
- Subjects
CAMBODIA; PHNOM Penh (Cambodia); SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 pandemic; WORLD Health Organization; COVID-19
- Publication
Western Pacific Surveillance & Response Journal, 2023, Vol 14, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
2094-7321
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.5365/wpsar.2023.14.1.974