Self-assessment of the Thai Department of Disease Control's communication for international response to COVID-19 in the early phase
Autor
Tsukayama, Royce
Hinjoy, Soawapak
Chuxnum, Teerasak
Masunglong, Wattana
Sidet, Chitphanu
Kleeblumjeak, Pitchapa
Onsai, Napatsawan
Iamsirithaworn, Sopon
Institución
Resumen
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the Thailand Department of Disease Control's (DDC) early
responses to COVID-19 in respect to communication with the international community and to identify
the manner of Thailand's response during public health emergencies.
Methods: Documents and international response communication from 4–31 January 2020 were reviewed
and dates of responses were collected for descriptive analysis. A questionnaire was submitted to the DDC
officers responsible for international coordination. A meeting to identify responses was held to evaluate
the self-assessed capacities of the Department's international communication.
Results: Thailand began the COVID-19 screening protocol on 3 January 2020. International correspondence subsequently occurred continually either through the ASEAN or International Health Regulations
(IHR) mechanisms. The total score of communication for international response was 88.9%. For IHR
reporting duties, the median duration to respond was 2.49 hours. Official news was sent within a mean of
9.18 hours and the English daily situation reports were always uploaded onto the official website within
24 hours.
Conclusions: This study provided a benchmark for international coordination and communication
capacities and also identified areas for improvement during public health emergencies, such as the need
to identify English-speaking spokespeople to communicate at an international level.