On March 6, officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Health (MoH) visited Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Bangkok with the support of WHO to observe and discuss effective response activities against the COVID-19 outbreak. The thirteen health officials visited the Department of Disease Control Systems and Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) where they learned about the activation of various COVID-19 response systems including disease control, laboratory networks, HEOC and incident management, and risk communication.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health Delegation was led by the Head of the Center for Biomedical Research and Basic Health Technology Ministry of Health. They were accompanied by representatives of the Directorate for the Prevention and Control of Vector and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Directorate of Surveillance and Health Quarantine, Health Crisis Center, Communication and Community Service Bureau, Overseas Cooperation Bureau, Port Health Office (Soetta KKP, Denpasar KKP and Batam KKP), Bali Provincial Health Service, and Sanglah Hospital.
Caption: Explanation on management of COVID-19 and Emergency Operations Centre activation in Thailand.
Credit: Aji/MOH Indonesia 2020
Some key observations noted during the visit included:
(1) HEOC was activated as early as 3 January. An early activation signals a functioning system is already in place prior to an emergency unfolding, thus positioning the response more effective;
(2) An online reporting system was adopted to collect information in real time, reducing the risk of delays;
(3) The capacity to conduct laboratory testing is strengthened through a logistics procurement system that supports a network of laboratories at the national and regional levels, including the utilization of university laboratories; and
(4) New information is posted daily in two languages (English and Thai) on a single website. Site provides transparent updates for interested members of the public and healthcare sector on the status of the outbreak and response activities that are being undertaken.
Based on the learnings and observations of the visit, the returning delegation recommended Indonesia take concrete action to ensure the implementation of the response guidelines and surveillance system. It was also emphasized that online platforms for public information should be strengthened and the mechanisms for procuring essential and laboratory supplies is improved. Swiftly integrating these recommendations into the national COVID-19 response will assist containment efforts of COVID-19 to be more coordinated and effective across the country.
Main image caption: Indonesian Ministry of Health officials visited the Thai Ministry of Public Health and Thailand's Emergency Operation Center to explore shared best practice opportunities in the COVID-19 response.
Credit: Aji /MOH Indonesia 2020