International health regulations assessment at points of entries in Iraq, 2022

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Marha L. Kammona and Mohammad Jassim Aljanaby, Supervised by Dr. Riyadh Alhilfi

BDS. College of Dentistry Baghdad University, Iraq FICMS College of Medicine Mustansiriyah University, Iraq FICMS College of Medicine Basrah University, Iraq

: Endocrinol Diabetes Res

Abstract

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Background: International Health Regulations-IHR-are legally binding agreement of 196 countries to build capability detect and report potential public health emergencies. Entered into force 2007 globally, and entered into force in Iraq since 2007. IHR implementation at Points of entries (POEs) have great impact on health security to prevent epidemics globally, regionally and locally. Rationale: yearly Iraq witnessing huge religious Mass gathering (more than 15 million people) from worldwide commemorate martyrdom of Imam Hussein participant enter through all points of entries. Objectives: To evaluate IHR implementation at all POEs in Iraq during mass gathering 2022, to Identify risks at POEs in Iraq during mass gathering 2022, and our study was first study conducted on IHR at POEs to encourage further researches. Method:Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted targeting PHCCs at POEs ,during (Epi Weak 35-38 /2022), an electronic based form was prepared through Kobo-collect program, questionnaire was developed based on modified Annex1 b IHR assessment tool included several variables (demographic, administrative, technical, health services , monitoring and reporting, also emergency plan and preparedness measures) data was analyzed by MS. Excel program. Results: total number of foreigners entered Iraq during mass gathering 5425338 person, total number of POEs 14 (3 Airports, 9 Border Crossing and 2 Seaports) except Kurdistan region,14 PHCCs in all POEs , multisectoral coordination and collaboration in 47%, availability of health services 24 hours 94% ,availability of adequate staff 24 hour 94%,routine inspection and provision public health measures in POEs 82%, food safety procedures 71%, safe water availability 73%,vector control activities 68%,surveillance &reporting 82%, immediate ambulance services 72% emergency plan and evacuation plan 100%,vaccination sessions 50%. Conclusion: POEs are different in average of movement of travelers and preparedness measures. Multiple borders, social and economic links with neighboring countries may subject the PHCC in PoEs to extra burden of non-Visa entry besides challenges within PHCC inside PoEs (poor infrastructure, poor distribution of HCWs, Poor collaboration between authorities), new regulations were in place require more preparedness. Keywords: Health services, Iraq, International health regulations, Mass Gathering.

Biography

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Marha L. Kamoona is an epidemiologist and manager of surveillance and risk reporting at the IHR Department of the Public Health Directorate at the Iraqi MOH. She graduated from Baghdad University with a Bachelor of Oral and Dental Medicine and Surgery and has a Professional Diploma in Dental Implant from the British Academy of Implant & Restorative Dentistry (BAIRD). Dr. Kamoona is also an IFETP graduate. Kamoona has held various positions throughout her career, including employer at FETP Department in 2020, Manager of Health Information System Section from 2018 to 2020, Manager of Administration of Total Quality and Institutional Development in 2017, Manager of Research Unit/ Training & Research Division from 2015 to 2017, and Manager of Dental Unit at MWR/Health Department from 2009 to 2015. Kamoona has several credentials and licenses, including Internal Audit (Ministry of Planning 2019), Certified Tot Trainer (Moh 2018),Leadership & Management (CDC Atlanta 2021) and Budget & Finance Operational Planning for Health Program (UNICEF 2022).