Operationalising Regional Cooperation for Infectious Disease Control: A Scoping Review of Regional Disease Control Bodies and Networks

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore, Singapore

2 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

3 Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute, Stanford, CA, USA

4 Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand

5 Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

6 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

7 Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore

Abstract

Background 
The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demonstrates the value of regional cooperation in infectious disease prevention and control. We explored the literature on regional infectious disease control bodies, to identify lessons, barriers and enablers to inform operationalisation of a regional infectious disease control body or network in southeast Asia.

Methods 
We conducted a scoping review to examine existing literature on regional infectious disease control bodies and networks, and to identify lessons that can be learned that will be useful for operationalisation of a regional infectious disease control body such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Center for Public Health Emergency and Emerging Diseases.

Results 
Of the 57 articles included, 53 (93%) were in English, with two (3%) in Spanish and one (2%) each in Dutch and French. Most were commentaries or review articles describing programme initiatives. Sixteen (28%) publications focused on organisations in the Asian continent, with 14 (25%) focused on Africa, and 14 (25%) primarily focused on the European region. Key lessons focused on organisational factors, diagnosis and detection, human resources, communication, accreditation, funding, and sustainability. Enablers and constraints were consistent across regions/organisations. A clear understanding of the regional context, budgets, cultural or language issues, staffing capacity and governmental priorities, is pivotal. An initial workshop inclusive of the various bodies involved in the design, implementation, monitoring or evaluation of programmes is essential. Clear governance structure, with individual responsibilities clear from the beginning, will reduce friction. Secure, long-term funding is also a key aspect of the success of any programme.

Conclusion 
Operationalisation of regional infectious disease bodies and networks is complicated, but with extensive groundwork, and focus on organisational factors, diagnosis and detection, human resources, communication, accreditation, funding, and sustainability, it is achievable. Ways to promote success are to include as many stakeholders as possible from the beginning, to ensure that context-specific factors are considered, and to encourage employees through capacity building and mentoring, to ensure they feel valued and reduce staff turnover.

Highlights

 

Commentaries Published on this Paper

 

  •  What Can We Learn From Others to Develop a Regional Centre for Infectious Diseases in ASEAN?; Comment on “Operationalising Regional Cooperation for Infectious Disease Control: A Scoping Review of Regional Disease Control Bodies and Networks”

        Abstract | PDF

 

  •  Opportunities and Challenges for Regional Coordination of Infectious Disease Control; Comment on “Operationalising Regional Cooperation for Infectious Disease Control: A Scoping Review of Regional Disease Control Bodies and Networks”

        Abstract | PDF

 

Authors' Response to the Commentaries

 

  • Bridging Borders for Health: The Vital Role of Regional Cooperation in Infectious Disease Control and Mitigation of Health Emergencies; A Response to the Recent Commentaries

        Abstract | PDF

 

Keywords

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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 11, Issue 11
November 2022
Pages 2392-2403

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 June 2021
  • Revise Date: 28 October 2021
  • Accept Date: 25 December 2021
  • First Publish Date: 26 December 2021

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