Capacity assessment of Liberia for health emergencies and disaster preparedness and response
Introduction: West Africa continues to experience recurrent epidemics of infectious diseases and other public health emergencies. Most of which have resulted in deaths, disabilities and loss of property due to the weak public health system including low capacity to respond, a lack of a preparedne...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
African Field Epidemiology Network
2022-11-01
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| Series: | Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.afenet-journal.net/content/series/5/2/5/full/ |
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| Summary: | Introduction: West Africa continues to experience recurrent epidemics of infectious
diseases and other public health emergencies. Most of which have resulted in deaths,
disabilities and loss of property due to the weak public health system including low
capacity to respond, a lack of a preparedness. Liberia, one of the three countries hit by
the Ebola epidemic has taken several steps to improve its preparedness and response
to public health emergencies. We assessed Liberia's status of public health emergencies
preparedness and response and to identify gaps which could prevent her from
effectively responding according to IHR core capacities. Methods: We conducted a
cross-sectional study which involved desk reviews and interviews with key
stakeholders of the health sector in Liberia. Data collection was done in-country from
April to July 2018. Findings from both sources were triangulated and described under
the IHR core capacity themes. Results: Liberia has a well-organized public health
institute and which coordinates and helps with the implementation of the various plans
and policies. The country has plans and policies covering some aspects of the
international Health regulation (IHR) core capacities developed. The national public
health institute implements the plans and policies, and coordinates preparedness and
response activities. There is no dedicated budget line for emergency preparedness and
response activities. Conclusion: Liberia has made good strides in preparing and
responding to public health emergencies. However, the lack of dedicated source of
funding serves as a threat to the sustainability of the gains the country has made so far |
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| ISSN: | 2664-2824 |