Insights Into the First Seven-months of COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh: Lessons Learned from a High-risk Country

Abstract BackgroundSouth Asian countries including Bangladesh have been struggling to control the COVID-19 pandemic despite imposing months of lockdown and other public health measures. In-depth epidemiological information from these countries is lacking. From the perspective of Bangladesh, this study aims at understanding the epidemiological features and gaps in public health preparedness and risk communication. MethodsThe study used publicly available data of seven months (8 March 2020–10 September 2020) from the respective health departments of Bangladesh and Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Centre. Human mobility data were obtained from Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports. Spatial distribution maps were created using ArcGIS Desktop. Descriptive statistics was used to report the incidence, case fatality rates (CFR), and trend analysis. Results Despite nationwide lockdown, an increase in human mobility linked to specific public events was observed. During this period, a total of 47,153 cases and 650 deaths were reported. As lockdown ended, the incidence rate was increased by around 50% within a week. In seven months, about 350,000 cases were identified with a CFR of 1.4%. Males were disproportionately affected in terms of infection (71%) and death (77%) than females. The CFR for males was higher than females (1.4% versus 1.11%). Over 50% of infected cases were reported among young adults (20-40-year age group). Trends of the cumulative incidence were slower in South Asia with lower mortality compared to the EU and USA. As of 10 September 2020, over 20,000 frontline health workers were affected, and more than 2100 unofficial deaths were reported. Reduced testing capacity was observed as compared to other countries. Although a downward trend in laboratory test positive percentage was seen, the number of new deaths per day remained largely unchanged. ConclusionWe identified critical gaps in public health preparedness and risk communication in battling COVID-19 pandemic. We believe our findings, observations and recommendations will function as a valuable resource to facilitate better public health decisions for managing current and future infectious disease like COVID-19 in the settings of developing countries.

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Insights into the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: Lessons learned from a high-risk country

10.1101/2020.08.05.20168674 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Md. Hasanul Banna Siam ◽

Md Mahbub Hasan ◽

Enayetur Raheem ◽

Md. Hasinur rahaman Khan ◽

Mahbubul H Siddiqee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Case Fatality ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Public Health Preparedness ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Infection Dynamics ◽

Johns Hopkins University ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics ◽

Epidemiological Information ◽

The Eu

Background South Asian countries including Bangladesh have been struggling to control the COVID-19 pandemic despite imposing months of lockdown and other public health measures (as of June 30, 2020). In-depth epidemiological information from these countries is lacking. From the perspective of Bangladesh, this study aims to understand the epidemiological features and gaps in public health preparedness. Method This study used publicly available data (8 March-30 June 2020) from the respective health departments of Bangladesh and Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Centre. Descriptive statistics was used to report the incidence, case fatality rates (CFR), and trend analysis. Spatial distribution maps were created using ArcGIS Desktop. Infection dynamics were analyzed via SIR models. Findings In 66 days of nationwide lockdown and other public health efforts, a total of 47,153 cases and 650 deaths were reported. However, the incidence was increased by around 50% within a week after relaxing the lockdown. Males were disproportionately affected in terms of infections (71%) and deaths (77%) than females. The CFR for males was higher than females (1.38% vs 1.01%). Over 50% of infected cases were reported among young adults (20-40-year age group). Geospatial analysis between 7 June 2020 and 20 June 2020 showed that the incidences increased 4 to 10-fold in 12 administrative districts while it decreased in the epicenter. As compared to the EU and USA, trends of the cumulative incidence were slower in South Asia with lower mortality. Conclusion Our findings on gaps in public health preparedness and epidemiological characteristics would contribute to facilitating better public health decisions for managing current and future pandemics like COVID-19 in the settings of developing countries.

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Communicating With Residents About Risks Following the Fukushima Nuclear Accident

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/1010539516681841 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (2_suppl) ◽

pp. 74S-89S ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Michio Murakami ◽

Akiko Sato ◽

Shiro Matsui ◽

Aya Goto ◽

Atsushi Kumagai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Communication ◽

Health Management ◽

Well Being ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Nuclear Accident ◽

Fukushima Nuclear Accident ◽

Whole Body ◽

Systematic Evaluation ◽

Medical Professionals

The Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011 posed major threats to public health. In response, medical professionals have tried to communicate the risks to residents. To investigate forms of risk communication and to share lessons learned, we reviewed medical professionals’ activities in Fukushima Prefecture from the prefectural level to the individual level: public communication through Fukushima Health Management Surveys, a Yorozu (“general”) health consultation project, communications of radiological conditions and health promotion in Iitate and Kawauchi villages, dialogues based on whole-body counter, and science communications through online media. The activities generally started with radiation risks, mainly through group-based discussions, but gradually shifted to face-to-face communications to address comprehensive health risks to individuals and well-being. The activities were intended to support residents’ decisions and to promote public health in a participatory manner. This article highlights the need for a systematic evaluation of ongoing risk communication practices, and a wider application of successful approaches for Fukushima recovery and for better preparedness for future disasters.

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A Public Health Systems View of Risk Communication About Zika

Public Health Reports ◽

10.1177/0033354920912215 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 135 (3) ◽

pp. 343-353

Author(s):

Tara Kirk Sell ◽

Sanjana J. Ravi ◽

Crystal Watson ◽

Diane Meyer ◽

Laura E. Pechta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Infectious Disease ◽

Risk Communication ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Public Information ◽

Disease Outbreaks ◽

The United States ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Care Providers ◽

Disease Response

Objectives The spread of Zika virus throughout Latin America and parts of the United States in 2016 and 2017 presented a challenge to public health communicators. The objective of our study was to describe emergency risk communication practices during the 2016-2017 Zika outbreak to inform future infectious disease communication efforts. Methods We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 13 public health policy makers and practitioners, 10 public information officers, and 5 vector-control officials from May through August 2017. Results Within the public health macro-environment, extended outbreak timeframe, government trust, US residence status, and economic insecurity set the backdrop for Zika communication efforts. Limited resources, staffing, and partnerships negatively affected public health structural capacity for communication efforts. Public health communicators and practitioners used a range of processes and practices to engage in education and outreach, including fieldwork, community meetings, and contact with health care providers. Overall, public health agencies’ primary goals were to prevent Zika infection, reduce transmission, and prevent adverse birth outcomes. Conclusions Lessons learned from this disease response included understanding the macro-environment, developing partnerships across agencies and the community, and valuing diverse message platforms. These lessons can be used to improve communication approaches for health officials at the local, state, and federal levels during future infectious disease outbreaks.

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Florida Department of Health Workers’ Response to 2004 Hurricanes: A Qualitative Analysis

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2013.13 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 153-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Holly B. Herberman Mash ◽

Carol S. Fullerton ◽

Kathleen Kowalski-Trakofler ◽

Dori B. Reissman ◽

Ted Scharf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Qualitative Analysis ◽

Emergency Care ◽

Work Performance ◽

Health Workers ◽

Self Report ◽

Public Health Preparedness ◽

Department Of Health ◽

Florida Department ◽

Public Health Workers

AbstractObjectiveExaminations of the demands on public health workers after disaster exposure have been limited. Workers provide emergency care while simultaneously risking injury, damage to personal property, and threats to their own and their family's safety. We examined the disaster management experiences of 4323 Florida Department of Health workers 9 months after their response to 4 hurricanes and 1 tropical storm during a 7-week period in August and September of 2004.MethodsParticipants completed a self-report questionnaire focused on work performance, mental and physical health, daily functioning, sleep disturbance, physiological arousal, and injury and work demand at the time of the hurricanes, and answered open-ended questions that described their experiences in more detail.ResultsA qualitative analysis conducted from the write-in data yielded 4 domains: (1) work/life balance; (2) training for disaster response role; (3) workplace support; and (4) recovery.ConclusionsStudy findings highlighted a number of concerns that are important to public health workers who provide emergency care after a disaster and, in particular, multiple disasters such as during the 2004 hurricane season. The findings also yielded important recommendations for emergency public health preparedness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1–7)

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Assessing Knowledge and Application of Emergency Risk Communication Principles Among Public Health Workers in China

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2014.29 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 199-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

James R. Cope ◽

Melinda Frost ◽

Li Richun ◽

Ruiqian Xie

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Communication ◽

Health Workers ◽

International Health ◽

Current Status ◽

Local Public Health ◽

Public Health Agencies ◽

Health Agencies ◽

Health Practitioners ◽

Public Health Practitioners

AbstractObjectiveSince 2003, the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission (formerly the Ministry of Health) has implemented changes to more effectively communicate risk during public health emergencies. In spite of ongoing improvements, provincial and sub-provincial leaders face barriers, such as established modes of operation, lack of training, shortage of trained risk communicators, and limited understanding and willingness of recipients to mitigate risks.MethodsWe assessed the current status of and barriers to risk communication knowledge and practice among public health practitioners in China. We designed the survey questionnaire to capture information related to the risk communication core capacities required by international health regulations and common risk communication principles.ResultsOur findings showed that risk communication training has successfully developed an awareness of risk communication principles and the ability to implement those principles in practice in China.ConclusionsFuture efforts should focus on areas such as a dedicated risk communication workforce, requirements that public health agencies develop a risk communication plan, and additional training for public health practitioners and their partners. It is critical that the infectious diseases prevention and control law be amended to grant provincial and local public health agencies more autonomy to release information. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-7)

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Ten considerations for conservation policy makers for the post-COVID-19 transition

Environmental Reviews ◽

10.1139/er-2021-0014 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Steven J. Cooke ◽

Peter Soroye ◽

J.L. Brooks ◽

J. Clarke ◽

Amanda L. Jeanson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Energy Use ◽

Human Mobility ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Conservation Policy ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Biodiversity Crisis ◽

Societal Changes ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Public health and safety concerns around the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic have greatly changed human behaviour. Such shifts in behaviours including travel patterns, consumerism, and energy use, are variously impacting biodiversity during the human-dominated geological epoch known as the Anthropocene. Indeed, the dramatic reduction in human mobility and activity has been termed the "Anthropause". COVID-19 has highlighted the current environmental and biodiversity crisis and has provided an opportunity to redefine our relationship with nature. Here we share 10 considerations for conservation policy makers to support and rethink the development of impactful and effective policies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are opportunities to leverage societal changes as a result of COVID-19, focus on the need for collaboration and engagement, and address lessons learned through the development of policies (including those related to public health) during the pandemic. The pandemic has had devastating impacts on humanity that should not be understated, but it is also a warning that we need to redefine our relationship with nature and restore biodiversity. The considerations presented here will support the development of robust, evidence-based, and transformative policies for biodiversity conservation in a post-COVID-19 world.

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