A descriptive assessment of the National Institute of Public Health’s role in supporting the COVID-19 response in Cambodia, 2020–2021
10.5365/wpsar.2023.14.1.974
- Author:
Srean Chhim
1
;
Wuddhika In Vong
1
;
Kimsorn Pa
1
;
Chanboroth Chhorn
1
;
Tambri Housen
2
;
Amy Elizabeth Parry
3
;
Wim Van Damme
4
;
Por Ir
1
;
Chhorvann Chhlea
1
Author Information
1. National Institute of Public Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
2. University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
3. Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
4. Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 testing, laboratories, training of trainers, capacity building, public health surveillance, Cambodia
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2023;14(1):60-66
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
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.
- Full text:2024061813492700489wpsar-14-974.pdf
