Assessment of implementation of international health regulations (2005) on preventing infectious diseases: a case study of Julius Nyerere international airport, Dar es Salaam.

Abstract

Background: The International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) is a legal instrument binds all World Health Organization (WHO) Member States in order to prevent and control the Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC). In this connection, the points of entry (POE) have been identified to be potential areas for effective interventions. In the 58th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2005 WHO Member States agreed to strengthen the identified core capacities including those needed at POE towards the implementation of IHR (2005). Therefore this study intended to assess the implementation status towards the IHR (2005) requirements at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), Dar es Salaam. Objectives: To assess the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) in prevention and control of infectious diseases. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study using the qualitative approach conducted at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW), WHO and JNIA. In-depth interviews, focus group discussion (FGD) and documentary reviews were used to obtain the information. Respondents were purposively enrolled. Thematic analysis was used to generate the report. Results: There was correct understanding of the IHR (2005) to some of key decision makers at the MoHSW. Officials at the MoHSW and JNIA were aware of the existing national acts and guidelines used to regulate health issues. Nevertheless they lack mechanisms for information sharing. Tanzania has a total of 42 POE, none of them has been designated to implement IHR (2005). The IHR (2005) implementation at the POE was under various departments uncoordinated. There were clear communication channels at JNIA, which enhanced reliable risk communication. Emergence preparedness and response to public health events at JNIA was far away to be realized since most of crucial issues were not in place. Conclusion and Recommendation: Harmonised public health policies, legislations, guidelines and practice could improve international travel and trade. JNIA was proposed as designated POE to implement IHR (2005).