Authors: Vishnu B. Menon, Leyanna Susan George
Year: 2021
Journal: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_801_21
Summary#
This study qualitatively analyzes the response of the health system in Kerala to control the Nipah outbreak (2019) by identifying enabling factors and challenges faced.
Key Findings#
- Effective communication, good line of control, effective division of work, intersectorial coordination, strong leadership, political commitment, resilient public private partnership and support groups, past experiences in disaster management, quick procurement of medicines and availability of lab facilities as major enablers.
- Initial confusions, lack of standard operating procedures/guidelines for epidemic management, complacency, lack of effective zoonotic surveillance, media management and community participation as challenges.
Methodology#
- Study Type: Qualitative
- Geographic Focus: Ernakulam district, Kerala, India
- Time Period: 2019
Topics#
Nipah virus, Health system, Outbreak
Relevance#
The study highlights the importance of strong leadership and political commitment in managing outbreaks, and emphasizes the need for capacity building and strengthening of surveillance systems.