Comparison of actions taken by Pakistan, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam for COVID-19 prevention and control

Authors

  • Aliya Jabeen National Institute of Health
  • Jamil A Ansari National Institute of Health
  • Aamer Ikram National Institute of Health
  • Sana Habib Abbasi National Institute of Health
  • Mumtaz Ali Khan National Institute of Health
  • Tayyab Razzi Rathore National Institute of Health
  • Muhammad Safdar National Institute of Health

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.79

Keywords:

COVID-19, Actions, Individual’s Behavior, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2. This disease presents the worst public health crisis the world has faced since the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918. It is the biggest global public health challenge of our lifetimes. COVID-19 situation in each country and sometimes even within countries is different and evolving. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of actions taken by the governments and individual behaviour on the coronavirus epidemic in a country.

 

Methods: Three countries were selected. COVID-19 daily news reported cases and deaths in Pakistan, Vietnam and UAE data between 21 January to 30 April 2020, was extracted from COVID-19 dashboard. Articles, TV channels and newspapers were searched. These three countries were visited during 12 to 21 March 2020 and public’s behaviour was observed.

 

Results: In Vietnam, during the first stage of outbreak, the main strategy was to impose international travel restrictions to prevent imported cases from COVID-19 highly effected countries, and to delay the spread and reduce the magnitude of prevailing epidemic. Furthermore, combination of preventive measures and national level readiness to respond to coronavirus disease aided to contain the further spread of virus. Government of Vietnam took swift preventive measures as compared to Pakistan and UAE, to limit imported COVID-19 cases and to contain the local transmission of the coronavirus. Delayed in decision making regarding travel restrictions and imposing lockdown by Pakistan and UAE may have resulted in rapid spread of the disease.

 

Conclusion: In developing countries, the decision regarding travel and complete lockdown is challenging due to prevalent socio-economic circumstances and maintenance of supply of food and essential goods. The response of an individual to advice issued by the government on preventive measures and Government communication strategies to inform the public to respond positively against this disease are important factors.

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Published

2020-10-28

How to Cite

Jabeen, A., Ansari, J. A., Ikram, A., Abbasi, S. H., Khan, M. A., Rathore, T. R., & Safdar, M. (2020). Comparison of actions taken by Pakistan, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam for COVID-19 prevention and control. Global Biosecurity, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.79

Issue

Vol. 2 (2020)

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2020 The Author(s)

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Received 2020-07-01
Accepted 2020-09-24
Published 2020-10-28