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Points for Improving the COVID-19 National Control Program
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Kamran Bagheri Lankarani   , Maryam Khayamzadeh |
| Permanent Member of Academy of Medical Sciences, of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Health of Policy Research Center, Shiraz , Iran |
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Abstract: (1844 Views) |
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is now the most important and the most urgent challenge in most countries of the world. Although rapid and massive vaccination in most countries have enlightened the path of control of this pandemic but even in these countries the high replication capacity of the new variants of this virus and reduced sensitivity in compliance to preventive measures may lead to infections and death. Control of this pandemic depends not only on rapid and massive vaccination but also on cooperation of governmental and non-governmental sectors, as well as community engagement. There is a continuous need for dynamic approaches in improving the policies, programs and interventions to control the pandemic.
Methods: In this study, a mixed method including focus group discussion and experts panels and review of scientific references as well as the best practices at global and national levels were used to find the bottle necks for improvement in the control of this pandemic .
Results: Strengthening the headquarters for the COVID-19 pandemic at national, provincial and county level with decentralization of power and multisectoral approach, improvement of communication and community engagement, monitoring and facilitation of quarantine, strengthening the role of the Ministry of Health, reform of clinical pathways and rapid expansion of programs for universal health coverage decentralization, enhancing rapid access to vaccination, updating the guidelines, reforming disease control centers, continuous epidemiological studies and intelligent use of traditional medicine were found to be the most important foci to be improved. Reopening of schools and educational institutes should be a dynamic process with consideration of not only the health of the attendees but also their social and mental needs.
Conclusion: Although rapid and massive vaccination are the mainstays to control this pandemic, other interventions are needed to improve the control policies, programs and interventions in a dynamic manner. |
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| Keywords: Communicable Disease Control, COVID- 19, Health Communication, Vaccination |
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Full-Text [PDF 266 kb]
(464 Downloads)
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Letter: Original Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2021/09/22 | Accepted: 2021/09/22 | Published: 2021/09/22
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