1.Risk posed by the Ebola epidemic to the Pacific islands: findings of a recent World Health Organization assessment
Craig Adam T ; Ronsse Axelle ; Hardie Kate ; Pavlin Boris I ; Biaukula Viema ; Nilles Eric J
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2015;6(2):45-50
Objective:To assess the public health risk posed by the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa to Pacific island countries and areas and to highlight priority risk management actions for preparedness and response.Method:The likelihood of EVD importation and the magnitude of public health impact in Pacific island countries and areas were assessed to determine overall risk. Literature about the hazard, epidemiology, exposure and contextual factors associated with EVD was collected and reviewed. Epidemiological information from the current EVD outbreak was assessed.Results:As of 11 March 2015, there have been more than 24 200 reported cases of EVD and at least 9976 deaths in six West African countries. Three EVD cases have been infected outside of the West African region, and all have epidemiological links to the outbreak in West Africa. Pacific island countries’ and areas’ relative geographic isolation and lack of travel or trade links between countries with transmission means that EVD importation is very unlikely. However, should a case be imported, the health and non-health consequences would be major. The capacity of Pacific island countries and areas to respond adequately varies greatly between (and within) states but in general is limited.Discussion:This risk assessment highlights the needs to enhance preparedness for EVD in the Pacific by strengthening the capacities outlined in the World Health Organization
2.Lessons learnt from a three-year pilot field epidemiology training programme
Damian Hoy ; A Mark Durand ; Thane Hancock ; Haley Cash ; Kate Hardie ; Beverley Paterson ; Yvette Paulino ; Paul White ; Tony Merritt ; Dawn Fitzgibbons ; Sameer Vali Gopalani ; James Flint ; Onofre Edwin Merilles Jr ; Mina Kashiwabara ; Viema Biaukula ; Christelle Lepers ; Yvan Souares ; Eric Nilles ; Anaseini Batikawai ; Sevil Huseynova ; Mahomed Patel ; Salanieta Saketa ; David Durrheim ; Alden Henderson ; Adam Roth
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2017;8(3):21-26
Problem: The Pacific region has widely dispersed populations, limited financial and human resources and a high burden of disease. There is an urgent need to improve the availability, reliability and timeliness of useable health data.
Context: The purpose of this paper is to share lessons learnt from a three-year pilot field epidemiology training programme that was designed to respond to these Pacific health challenges. The pilot programme built on and further developed an existing field epidemiology training programme for Pacific health staff.
Action: The programme was delivered in country by epidemiologists working for Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network partners. The programme consisted of five courses: four one-week classroom-based courses and one field epidemiology project. Sessions were structured so that theoretical understanding was achieved through interaction and reinforced through practical hands-on group activities, case studies and other interactive practical learning methods.
Outcome: As of September 2016, 258 students had commenced the programme. Twenty-six course workshops were delivered and one cohort of students had completed the full five-course programme. The programme proved popular and gained a high level of student engagement.
Discussion: Face-to-face delivery, a low student-to-facilitator ratio, substantial group work and practical exercises were identified as key factors that contributed to the students developing skills and confidence. Close engagement of leaders and the need to quickly evaluate and adapt the curriculum were important lessons, and the collaboration between external partners was considered important for promoting a harmonized approach to health needs in the Pacific.