International Health Regulations for Pandemic response through the lens of Ethics and human rights in Pakistan
Introduction: The International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 impose a legal obligation to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant scientific and ethical challenges globally. Pakistan, with its diverse Points of Entry (PoEs), has faced unique...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-03-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Infectious Diseases |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S120197122400715X |
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| Summary: | Introduction: The International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 impose a legal obligation to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant scientific and ethical challenges globally. Pakistan, with its diverse Points of Entry (PoEs), has faced unique challenges in implementing IHR measures. This study examines the ethical dimensions of IHR implementation during the pandemic. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 involving in-depth focus group discussions (FGDs) with key informants at PoEs across Pakistan. A focus group guide was developed from the existing IHR literature. A combination of convenience and purposive sampling techniques selected 10 PoEs for comprehensive coverage. Data saturation guided the sample size, resulting in 10 FGDs with a total of 40 participants. Results: The study identified several ethical challenges in IHR implementation across thematic areas: containment policies, implementation of public health measures (testing, quarantine, and isolation), travel restrictions, equitable resource distribution, and emergency operations. These challenges included balancing public health and individual rights, addressing discrimination and stigmatization, and ensuring fairness and justice in vaccine distribution and travel restrictions. Discussion: This study explores the ethical challenges and human rights implications surrounding the implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Through the lens of ethical theories and principles, key themes emerged, including the balance between personal autonomy and government strategies, the role of individual rights in public health measures, privacy concerns in data collection, equitable distribution of resources, and the application of utilitarian principles to maximize overall well-being. The study highlighted the complexities of pandemic response, emphasizing the need for transparent, evidence-based approaches that respect individual rights and cultural considerations while prioritizing public health outcomes. Decision-making during the pandemic necessitated a delicate balance between personal autonomy and adherence to government strategies aimed at curbing disease transmission. This analysis contributes to understanding the ethical dimensions of pandemic management and informs future policy decisions in similar contexts. Conclusion: Navigating ethical challenges in IHR implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic requires transparent communication, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to equity and justice. The study underscores the importance of incorporating ethical considerations into national emergency response plans to guide decision-makers effectively. By prioritizing ethical principles, countries can enhance their preparedness and response capacity to manage public health emergencies while safeguarding individual rights and promoting collective well-being. |
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| ISSN: | 1201-9712 |