An impact analysis of Thailand's 2019 ASEAN Chairmanship on public health issues related to disease prevention and control

Abstract

International cooperation on health encompasses major issues that relevant Thai sectors have continually improved and collaborated on in various international platforms. This collaboration is especially prominent in the framework of ASEAN cooperation through health clusters on disease prevention and control. Thailand is going to embrace the role of the rotating chairmanship of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2019. The Office of International Cooperation (OIC) conducted a review of documents to analyze impacts of public health issues in order to lead proper strategies on disease prevention and control. A questionnaire on SWOT analysis (the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) of ASEAN operations was implemented to officers of the Department of Disease Control at the central and regional levels. Data were collected and analyzed to evaluate both external and internal factors. The results of the analysis indicated five key strategies that should be arranged for better effective implementation of disease prevention and control in a context specific to ASEAN. The strategies are as follows: 1) development of an operational plan to address the health needs among foreigners and migrant workers 2) strengthening the disease prevention systems in border provinces 3 ) human capacity building and development 4 ) strengthening preparedness by implementing tabletop or simulation exercises for disasters or emerging infectious disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, prevention and control and 5) sustainable budget to financially support operational plans at border provinces.