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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 September 2019

Rahuldeep Singh Open the ORCID record for Rahuldeep Singh [Opens in a new window] ,
Kumar Sumit  and
Shaikh Shah Hossain
Rahuldeep Singh*
Affiliation:
Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
Kumar Sumit
Affiliation:
Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
Shaikh Shah Hossain
Affiliation:
Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Rahuldeep Singh, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India, 576104 (e-mail: roniedr.singh@gmail.com).
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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.

Keywords

border health measuresground crossingsIHRpoint of entrypublic health emergencies
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , April 2020 , pp. 214 - 221
Copyright
© 2019 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

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References

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