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

• Main Authors: Aliya Jabeen, Jamil A Ansari, Aamer Ikram, Sana Habib Abbasi, Mumtaz Ali Khan, Tayyab Razzi Rathore, Muhammad Safdar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of New South Wales 2020-10-01
• Series: Global Biosecurity
• Subjects: covid-19; actions, individual’s behavior; pakistan; united arab emirates; vietnam
• Online Access: https://jglobalbiosecurity.com/articles/79

'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.