The Implementation of avian influenza policy in the North-east epidemical areas

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were: to study factors affecting implementation of Avain Influenza policy and to find guidelines for improving the Bird-Flu policy implementation in the North-East’s epidemical areas. The target provinces were: Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, and Nong Khai. Three sample groups were studied, i.e. administrators or heads of the offices responsible for policy implementation, officials responsible for carrying on the implementation, and people affected by the policy implementation. The data collection was carried out by in-depth interviews and focus-group approach for the administrators, the officials and the people, respectively. The data analysis was carried out by content analysis. The findings were as follows:

1. There ware five factors affecting the implementation of the Avain Influenza Policy: 1) Goals and policy objectives 2) Mission setting and job assignment 3) Characteristics of the offices for the policy implementation 4) Supports from the central authorities and communities 5) Criterions for control, assessment, and promotion encouragement. Having carried on the policy implementation, the following problems were found: (1) Unclear policy (2) Insufficient budget and inadequate material (3) Discontinuous and seriousless assessment (4) Officials’ lack of will power and spirit in the operation and (5) Lack of realization and Avain Influenza body of knowledge in the officials and the people themselves.
2. Guidelines for improvement of the Avain Influenza Policy implementation were as follows: 1) Budget and material should be sufficiently supplied. 2) Continuous activities for Avain Influenza surveillance must be carried on. 3) Follow-up and assessment should be done regularly and continuously. 4) Methods for practice and operation on Avain Influenza epidemic situations in the areas of responsibity should be done. 5) Meetings for advice and learning exchange among the personnel responsible for the policy implementation or the target people should be done regularly for the purpose the practical methods.

Suggestions for solving the Avain Influenza problems are: 1) Establishment of knowledge and understanding of the Avain Influenza among the stakeholders. 2) Enrichment of understanding of the government criteria. 3) Constructing recognition among officials. 4) Establishing friendlihood among personnel for reducing gaps, enhancing spirits and participation. 5) Constructing continuity by means of area job creating, and reinforcing motivation on networking for the Avain Influenza surveillance.