Adam Bjork, Robyn A Stoddard, Alicia D Anderson, Marie A de Perio, Richard Todd Niemeier, Joshua S Self, Kelly A Fitzpatrick, Frances M D Gulland, Cara L Field, Gilbert J Kersh, John D Gibbins
{"title":"Zoonoses in the workplace: A Seroprevalence study of <i>Coxiella</i>, <i>Brucella</i>, and <i>Leptospira</i> among marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation workers in California.","authors":"Adam Bjork, Robyn A Stoddard, Alicia D Anderson, Marie A de Perio, Richard Todd Niemeier, Joshua S Self, Kelly A Fitzpatrick, Frances M D Gulland, Cara L Field, Gilbert J Kersh, John D Gibbins","doi":"10.1002/puh2.132","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Q fever, brucellosis, and leptospirosis are zoonoses typically associated with terrestrial animal reservoirs. These bacterial agents are now known to infect marine mammal species, though little is known about potential human health risks from marine mammal reservoir species. We investigated potential risks of these bacteria in humans associated with marine mammal exposure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) in Sausalito, California, requested a Health Hazard Evaluation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In June 2011, an investigation occurred, which included a written questionnaire and serosurvey among workers for <i>Coxiella burnetii, Brucella</i> spp., and Leptospira spp., and an environmental assessment for <i>C. burnetii</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Serologic evidence of past exposure was detected in 4% (<i>C. burnetii</i>), 0% (<i>Brucella</i>), and 1% (<i>Leptospira</i>) of 213 participants, respectively. One of 130 environmental samples tested positive for <i>C. burnetii.</i> No significant marine mammal-specific risk factors were identified, but some safety deficiencies were noted that could lead to a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although this study did not identify disease exposure risks associated with marine mammals, additional studies in different settings of other groups with frequent exposure to marine mammals are warranted. Some deficiencies in safety were noted, and based on these, TMMC modified protocols to improve safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"3 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11951298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143756283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juan Ramon Ayala-Torres, María Fernanda Hernández-Morales, Valeria María Alanis-Gallardo, Laura Olivia Arvizu-Tovar, Orbelin Soberanis-Ramos
{"title":"Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in a Mexican military population working with animals.","authors":"Juan Ramon Ayala-Torres, María Fernanda Hernández-Morales, Valeria María Alanis-Gallardo, Laura Olivia Arvizu-Tovar, Orbelin Soberanis-Ramos","doi":"10.1002/puh2.193","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and a challenge to global public health. There is an occupational risk, particularly in populations with direct contact with animals and in high-humidity environments, which favors the survival of leptospires. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in military personnel working in close contact with animals in México and to describe the available preventive measures and protection levels.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to October 2015. Information regarding protective factors in daily activities was gathered through a self-evaluation questionnaire. The serum samples of participants were analyzed through enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and microscopic agglutination test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Serums were obtained from 65 active military personnel, 56 males (86.2%) and 9 females (13.8%). Out of the total, 54 (83.1%) tested positive for infection by leptospirosis, 49 were males (87.5%) and 5 were females (55.6%). The highest seroprevalence age group was in the ≥45 years group (15, 23.07%), where all tested positive. Regarding military ranks, 100% of the highest hierarchy turned out positive: Officers (4 out of 4) and Chiefs (14 out of 14); and troops resulted in a seroprevalence of 76.5%. Protection equipment available during daily chores included: Overall, 64.6% had gloves and 53.8% had boots; the reported frequency for the use of gloves was 35.3% (46/65) if worn during more than half of the workday, yet 29.2% (19/65) reported never wearing them.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study makes the petition to implement protocols of continuous training regarding labor risks and having an epidemiologic surveillance program for exposed personnel indispensable to improve the health and sanitary conditions of military personnel who work in direct contact with animals.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"3 2","pages":"e193"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039678/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How did states in the United States adapt their cancer control plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?","authors":"Jason Semprini","doi":"10.1002/puh2.179","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic upended the delivery of cancer services across the care continuum. By outlining specific strategies for addressing cancer in the state, cancer control plans serve a critical role during a public health emergency. This policy analysis aims to understand how states updated their cancer control plan as a response to COVID-19. All plans from 50 states and the District of Columbia were reviewed for language related to \"COVID.\" Among the 51 cancer plans analyzed, 7 plans met the inclusion criteria (Illinois [IL], Iowa [IA], Maine [ME], Nevada [NV], North Carolina [NC], Utah [UT], and Vermont [VT]). These seven plans adapted their cancer control plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic across three main themes: (1) improving care across the cancer care continuum, from prevention to screening and treatment; (2) improving cancer care service delivery by expanding telehealth, addressing workforce shortages, and investing in public health systems; and (3) achieving population health equity by addressing social determinants of health. Two states only adapted their plans by prioritizing future monitoring and evaluation activities as related to the COVID-19 pandemic (ME and VT). The other five states all took different approaches to improve cancer care by adapting their service delivery and addressing social determinants of health. IL prioritized access to cancer screenings through expanding equity informed telehealth models. IA also prioritized equitable screenings as well as clinical trial participation, by addressing workforce shortages. NV focused on prevention, leveraging telehealth and specifically targeted food security and job loss resulting from the pandemic. NC-directed cancer treatment efforts by addressing workforce shortages. UT integrated telehealth and equity initiatives to combat barriers like food insecurity and social disparities. Continued policy surveillance is needed to ensure that patients receive timely, appropriate cancer care during future public health emergencies. Research evaluating whether these plan adaptations improved outcomes or advanced equity remains warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"3 2","pages":"e179"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039613/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Informing future quarantine practices through the experiences of COVID-19 quarantine facility staff.","authors":"Angela Sheedy, Dianne Stephens, Lisa Vermeulen","doi":"10.1002/puh2.184","DOIUrl":"10.1002/puh2.184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the rapid development of quarantine sites, prompting the need for new staff models and scopes of practice. This project surveyed health and non-health staff at a large outdoor quarantine facility in regional Australia to gather insights for future quarantine facility guidelines based on their experiences and perceptions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This translational research project implemented a mixed-methods approach to analyse staff perceptions of working at a quarantine facility to inform the development of a policy and practice guide. An anonymous online survey utilising purposive sampling was distributed to 410 multidisciplinary survey participants over an 8-week period. Survey questions focussed on site processes, challenges and recommendations for future implementation of quarantine services. Qualitative data was thematically analysed with the aid of Leximancer, and a descriptive statistical method was used for quantitative data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 92 survey respondents from health and non-health roles; of these, 85% indicated they would work at the quarantine facility again, and 90% agreed residents were well cared for. There was a lack of anxiety of acquiring COVID-19, with 95% feeling safe from COVID-19 transmission onsite. Challenges staff identified highlighted future investment areas, including leadership communication models, information technology (IT) management systems specific for quarantine services and site processes to better accommodate weather elements.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, staff validated the primary health model of quarantine care with key challenges highlighting the importance of leadership and investment in communication and IT. The results were aligned with site functions and operations and will inform the development of a pandemic quarantine facility guide.</p>","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"3 2","pages":"e184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039748/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jean Jacques Irakiza, Christian Mazimpaka, Dieudonne Ndatimana, John Baptist Kalach, Vincent Hatangimbabazi, Edouard Kamuhangire, Alphonsine Mukamunana, Olive Ntakirutimana, Joseline Tengera, Olivier Ruhumuriza, Onesime Manishimwe, A. Mwali, E. Rutayisire
{"title":"Status of infection prevention and control programs in 25 facilities of Rwanda: Results from the WHO infection prevention and control assessment framework","authors":"Jean Jacques Irakiza, Christian Mazimpaka, Dieudonne Ndatimana, John Baptist Kalach, Vincent Hatangimbabazi, Edouard Kamuhangire, Alphonsine Mukamunana, Olive Ntakirutimana, Joseline Tengera, Olivier Ruhumuriza, Onesime Manishimwe, A. Mwali, E. Rutayisire","doi":"10.1002/puh2.183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.183","url":null,"abstract":"Infection prevention and control (IPC) is important in ensuring patient safety, protecting healthcare workers, and reducing healthcare‐associated costs. The World Health Organization (WHO)‐validated Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) was used to evaluate IPC practices in Rwandan healthcare facilities.In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed 25 health facilities across Rwanda, including district and referral hospitals. Using the IPCAF tool, we assessed eight core components (CCs) of IPC programs. We calculated median scores and interquartile ranges to determine the levels of implementation of IPC practices.Among the 25 facilities, all showed some degree of IPCAF implementation, with an overall median IPCAF score of 545.0, reflecting an intermediate level. Three facilities (12%) were at a basic level, 16 (64%) at an intermediate level, and 6 (24%) at an advanced level of IPC practices. The presence of IPC guidelines scored the highest among CCs (median: 87.5). About 96% of facilities did not have a dedicated full‐time IPC staff, 64% of facilities did not offer IPC training to new staff, and 84% did not have protocols for multidrug‐resistant pathogens.This initial IPCAF assessment in Rwanda reveals critical IPC strengths and gaps. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted interventions, such as appointing dedicated IPC staff, strengthening IPC committees, and enhancing IPC training and resources.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"31 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141123651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Williams Walana, Mahmoud Al‐Azab, I. Yabasin, A. Abdul-Mumin
{"title":"Childhood immunization in Ghana: Tracing the history and projecting the future","authors":"Williams Walana, Mahmoud Al‐Azab, I. Yabasin, A. Abdul-Mumin","doi":"10.1002/puh2.176","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.176","url":null,"abstract":"Childhood immunization has contributed significantly to child survival globally. Ghana adopted the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in the year 1972, and since then Ghana's immunization program has chalked huge successes in disease prevention, particularly the drastic reduction in the incidence of the six childhood killer diseases. Despite these successes, there are shortfalls that affect childhood vaccinations in Ghana. Here, we look at the evolution of childhood vaccine adoption in Ghana, the disease burden in the pre‐vaccination era and the vaccination era, the benefits of the immunization program, and the identified shortfalls. More importantly, the impact of childhood immunization on the current state of vaccine‐preventable diseases and the prospects the future holds for vaccine development and disease prevention in Ghana were discussed. Undoubtedly, Ghana has made significant progress in vaccine adoption and expansion of immunization program, resulting in a significant reduction in vaccine‐preventable deaths particularly in children. However, challenges pertaining to vaccine coverage, periodic shortages of vaccine, untimely immunization, and logistics constraints persist, which need redress. Moreover, there is currently no continuous post‐vaccine surveillance to evaluate long‐term vaccine impact. Additionally, Ghana lacks the technology and skill to manufacture its own vaccines. Following the establishment of the National Vaccine Institute, Ghana should be in the position to start the production of established vaccines such as those covered under EPI, whereas collaborative research is needed to discover new vaccines. Finally, it is critical to network childhood immunization records across the nation to ensure enhanced data for planning.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"111 49","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141124519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Barriers to mental health service utilization among African immigrants in the United Kingdom: A systematic review","authors":"Archibong Bassey, Rachael Zaka","doi":"10.1002/puh2.181","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.181","url":null,"abstract":"African immigrants in the United Kingdom (UK) face unique challenges in accessing mental health services (MHSs), in contrast to their peers born in the UK, contributing to their worsening mental and physical health outcomes. This study aims to uncover barriers to MHS utilization and proffer evidence‐based recommendations toward addressing the mental health needs of African immigrants residing in the UK.A systematic literature search was conducted across six databases: Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CIHNAL, Scopus, and Embase published up to September 2022. To assess methodological quality of the included studies, the Critical Appraisal Skills Program qualitative checklist and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2018 were used. Consecutively, a deductive thematic analysis was employed to group related barriers within overarching themes.The study selection process yielded eight studies conducted in the UK, encompassing African populations identifying as African/Afro‐Caribbean origin, Somali refugees, and ethnic minorities of Black/British descent. The findings highlight the complex interplay of key barriers such as stigma, residential instability, cultural influences, discrimination, and accessibility issues, among others, that continue to hinder African populations from accessing and utilizing MHSs. These barriers were categorized into predisposing,enabling and need factors (themes), aligning with Anderson's model of health service utilization, reflecting a comprehensive range of challenges affecting this population.This systematic review illuminates the myriad barriers faced by African immigrants in utilizing MHSs in the UK, underlining the urgent need for targeted interventions. The findings advocate for the development of culturally sensitive, affordable, and accessible MHSs and policies that address the personal, sociocultural, and structural barriers identified. Collaboration across key stakeholders is highly recommended for advancing equitable and inclusive MHSs for all.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"117 26","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141124379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Addressing the challenges of dementia care in Nigeria: A call for a comprehensive national strategy","authors":"Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola","doi":"10.1002/puh2.186","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.186","url":null,"abstract":"Despite the growing prevalence of dementia, driven by an ageing population and compounded by cultural misunderstandings and stigma, Nigeria lacks a coherent national plan to address this issue. The article points out that although Nigeria has enacted policies such as the National Aging Policy, which do not sufficiently address the specific needs of people living with dementia. It underscores the necessity of integrating a dementia strategy within the broader health and social care systems of Nigeria. The article draws on the World Health Organization's Global Dementia Action Plan to elaborates on several critical areas for action, including public health prioritization of dementia, awareness and stigma reduction, improved diagnosis, treatment, care, and support, alongside bolstering support for caregivers. It stresses the importance of a dementia‐friendly infrastructure, research and innovation, and leveraging community support to foster a more inclusive society. Furthermore, the article outlines current state of healthcare and social support systems in Nigeria, pointing to significant gaps in infrastructure, healthcare workforce, and financial mechanisms that hinder effective dementia care. Hence, elevating dementia care as a national health priority, and increasing access to quality care and support, Nigeria is well positioned to mitigate the impact of dementia on families and the person with dementia. The call to action is clear: a national dementia strategy, informed by global best practices and tailored to Nigeria's unique cultural and societal context, is essential for addressing the challenges of dementia care and improving the well‐being of affected individuals and their families in Nigeria.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140973456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"COVAX and COVID‐19 Vaccine Inequity: A case study of G‐20 and African Union","authors":"Anjali Pushkaran, V. Chattu, Prakash Narayanan","doi":"10.1002/puh2.185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.185","url":null,"abstract":"As the world has a history of vaccine nationalism, especially during the 2009 Swine flu pandemic, the COVAX alliance, a globally collaborated mechanism, was created by World Health Organization (WHO), GAVI, and UNICEF to address the inequity of COVID‐19 vaccines. One of the primary aims of this alliance was to deliver vaccines to low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), which otherwise have less or no capacity to access vaccines from the open market. It is crucial to explore the contribution of COVAX in bridging the gap in equity, accessibility, and affordability of COVID‐19 vaccines between high‐ and low‐income countries (LICs). We selected Group 20 (G20) COVAX participants and the African Union (AU) as case studies to estimate these gaps. The bilateral purchase data shows that by December 2021, the G20 countries had vaccines more than double their population, whereas the AU could procure only about one fifth (19%) of their population. Out of 52 AU countries whose data was available, only 21 of them could strike a bilateral deal with vaccine manufacturers. Even after COVAX delivery, the share of the population that could be vaccinated in AU was just 36.8%, less than the target of WHO (40%) for December 2021. It was found that the COVAX alliance worked better than the open market competition for LMICs and LICs. The cost of vaccinating 20% of the population was 0.7% of the current health expenditure for G20 countries, whereas AU countries had to spend 5.5%. COVAX bears more cost (1%–3%) for AU countries than G20 countries (less than 1%). COVAX made COVID‐19 vaccines more affordable and accessible to these countries. However, LICs were disproportionately affected even with the COVAX Facility mechanism owing to their lack of vaccine deployment infrastructure.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":" 45","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140996316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Strategic threat health response in Australia capital cities: Predicting the optimum locations for field hospitals through geospatial analysis","authors":"Mazen Baazeem, E. Kruger, M. Tennant","doi":"10.1002/puh2.177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/puh2.177","url":null,"abstract":"The advent of the COVID‐19 pandemic has accentuated the critical importance of epidemic preparedness within national healthcare systems. This study presents a geospatial analysis aimed at optimising the placement of field hospitals in Australia to ensure adequate healthcare access during pandemics.The latest census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics were integrated with the spatial locations of current emergency departments within Australian capitals. Buffer zones with a 7.5 km radius were created around the public emergency departments (EDs). Buffer zones outside the 7.5 km radius that exhibited high population densities were categorised into high‐density (red), moderate‐density (yellow) and low‐density (green) zones to prioritise and tailor healthcare responses during a pandemic. The identification of high‐density population areas outside the ED radius enabled the stratification of potential sites for ED facilities.Ninety‐one potential field hospital sites were identified across Australia's capital cities. The findings indicate that the addition of these sites would place over 95% of the population within a 7.5 km radius of an ED facility. This network of proposed sites is designed to serve a spectrum of population densities, ensuring equitable healthcare access for both densely populated urban centres and less populated areas.This study underscores the potential of field hospitals to strengthen Australia's public health system against emergencies. By advocating for the creation of 91 field hospitals within a 7.5 km reach for over 95% of urban dwellers across major cities, it demonstrates a strategic approach to ensure comprehensive ED coverage. Drawing on international examples, including China's Fangcang hospitals, the USA's post‐acute care (PAC) facilities and the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) Nightingale Hospitals, it highlights the need for healthcare agility and scalability, especially during pandemic outbreaks. The research presents a blueprint for field hospital deployment, marking a significant advancement in public health logistics and protection across Australia's varied demographic and geographical landscapes.","PeriodicalId":74613,"journal":{"name":"Public health challenges","volume":" 34","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141001096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}