Health system preparedness in infectious diseases: perspective of Malaysia, a middle-income country, in the face of monkeypox outbreaks

• Published in: Tropical Medicine and Health
• Main Authors: Chang Chee Tao, Xin-Jie Lim, Awatef Amer Nordin, Chern Choong Thum, Sondi Sararaks, Kalaiarasu Periasamy, Philip Rajan
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2022
• Subjects: Health system preparedness; Monkeypox; Infectious diseases; Malaysia; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-022-00479-4; https://doaj.org/article/51576935409f448793739a474b110054

Abstract The World Health Organization declared monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on July 23, 2022. As of July 25th, 2022, there were 16,016 laboratory-confirmed cases reported worldwide with 5 deaths. Malaysia's Health Ministry has developed a five-point strategy to prepare for the impending threat of the infectious disease, encompassing early detection of monkeypox, consolidation of laboratory diagnostic facilities, case management and treatment, cluster management, and strengthening public awareness. Crisis and disaster preparedness within a nation's health system is paramount to preventing disease spread. Various strategies for developing resilience in the face of global infectious disease spread were discussed. The current disease preparedness and response framework and guidelines in Malaysia have established a health system that is proactive and responsive to any potential infectious disease outbreaks. Despite this, the future remains unpredictable, and ongoing fortification is required as events unfold.