An Evaluation of National Capacity regarding Chemical Event Management under the International Health Regulations: a Case of Thailand, 2022

Abstract

Chemical hazard is deemed substantial for global health security. Effective emergency management could mitigate the adverse effects of chemicals or pollutants. This study aims to describe the country’s capacity focusing on chemical events using the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool, and determine strengths and challenges to provide recommendations to improve chemical emergency management in Thailand. A descriptive qualitative study of the JEE process was conducted in 2022 using the JEE tool, third edition (2022). Chemical event was one of the 19 technical areas that had two indicators to be evaluated. Activities for JEE process included document compilation and an internal multi-sectoral self-assessment to discuss country capacities, strengths, and gaps before the JEE workshop with the external evaluators. The capacity scores of chemical events for the two indicators were 4 and 5 (out of 5), suggesting that Thailand had decent capacities in response to chemical emergencies at the national and intermediate levels; however, more strengthening was needed at the primary public health level and points of entry (POE). To achieve sustainable capacity, a national action plan for health security should be developed. Capacity building for chemical emergency response should be promoted among staff at the primary public health level and POE.