Dzaba John Sackey, Njenge Hilary Kagume, Wakhungu James, Reintjes Ralf, Watt Nicola
Department of Health Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany.
Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
PLOS Glob Public Health. 2024 Oct 16;4(10):e0003832. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003832. eCollection 2024.
Travel and trade, whilst playing a critical role in economic development, contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, including novel or emerging diseases, which can threaten health security locally, regionally and globally. The World Health Organization mandates preparedness through field simulation exercises to address infectious disease outbreaks, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the impact of the 2019 Namanga field simulation exercise, conducted in the border town shared by Kenya and Tanzania, on improving cross-border outbreak preparedness and response. It focused on participants' knowledge, skills acquisition and real-world application. An anonymous online survey was administered to participants 37 months post-field simulation exercise. In addition, key informant interviews and a focus group discussion with the Joint Border Management Committee in Namanga were conducted. The June 2019 field simulation exercise enhanced the skills, knowledge, and confidence of participants, including members of the border community, in preparing for and responding to outbreaks including COVID-19. The skills and knowledge gained were deemed valuable, relevant, and effective for use in future response activities. The analysis is limited by potential response bias, as only participants with positive experiences of the field simulation exercise may have responded more favourably. Addressing the limitations of design and implementation of the field simulation exercise and the challenges of cross-border response identified in this study are critical to optimising future responses.
旅行和贸易在经济发展中发挥着关键作用，但也导致了传染病的传播，包括新出现的疾病，这些疾病可能会对当地、区域和全球的卫生安全构成威胁。正如新冠疫情所凸显的那样，世界卫生组织要求通过实地模拟演练来做好应对传染病爆发的准备。本研究评估了2019年在肯尼亚和坦桑尼亚共有的边境城镇纳曼加开展的实地模拟演练，对改善跨境疫情防范和应对工作的影响。研究重点关注参与者的知识、技能获取以及在现实世界中的应用。在实地模拟演练37个月后，对参与者进行了一次匿名在线调查。此外，还与纳曼加的联合边境管理委员会进行了关键信息人访谈和焦点小组讨论。2019年6月的实地模拟演练提高了包括边境社区成员在内的参与者在防范和应对包括新冠疫情在内的疫情方面的技能、知识和信心。所获得的技能和知识被认为对未来的应对活动具有价值、相关性和有效性。由于可能存在回应偏差，本分析受到一定限制，因为只有对实地模拟演练有积极体验的参与者可能给出了更有利的回应。解决实地模拟演练设计与实施方面的局限性以及本研究中确定的跨境应对挑战，对于优化未来应对措施至关重要。
