IPROC iproc Iproceedings 2369-6893 JMIR Publications Toronto, Canada v8i1e36485 10.2196/36485 Abstract Abstract Role of Rapid Response Teams in Response to Outbreaks in Yemen, 2020: Descriptive Study Khader Yousef Qaserah Abdulqawi 1
Ministry of Public Health and Population Al Hasaba Street Sana'a City Yemen 967 772435532 aabuhosam33@gmail.com
Anam Labiba 2 Alyosfi Reema 2 Ministry of Public Health and Population Sana'a City Yemen Yemen Field Epidemiology Training Program Sana'a City Yemen Corresponding Author: Abdulqawi Qaserah aabuhosam33@gmail.com Jan-Dec 2022 4 2 2022 8 1 e36485 16 1 2022 19 1 2022 ©Abdulqawi Qaserah, Labiba Anam, Reema Alyosfi. Originally published in Iproceedings (https://www.iproc.org), 04.02.2022. 2022

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 Background

Yemen has been increasingly reporting public health emergencies (eg, cholera). The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPH&P) has put in place the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) mechanism from the national to district level to investigate and initiate the response to public health emergencies. An RRT is a technical, multidisciplinary team that is readily available for quick mobilization and deployment in case of emergencies.

 Objective

The aim of this analysis was to summarize the role of RRTs in response to outbreaks in Yemen during 2020.

 Methods

Data were obtained from the electronic Diseases Early Warning System (eDEWS) in Excel format covering the period from January to December 2020, including governorates, diseases, and other variables. Data were cleaned and analyzed using Excel 2013. Qualitative data are summarized as percentages. Data are presented using tables, graphs, and maps.

 Results

A total of 39,451 field descents were performed. Nearly half of the activities (n=18,565, 47.06%) were for outbreak investigation of various infectious diseases, including cholera (n=9030), severe acute respiratory infection (n=1949), diphtheria (n=1532), measles (n=1328), malaria (n=1012), dengue fever (n=1008), pertussis (n=803), mumps (n=676), chickenpox (n=583), acute flaccid paralysis (n=482), and meningitis (n=162). Approximately 1747 (4.43%) supervision visits were implemented. Regarding health education, 19,139 (48.51%) health education sessions were executed, with 3419 (17.86%) performed at health facilities and 15,720 (82.14%) performed outside health facilities (eg, schools and outdoors). A total of 559,805 people attended the health education sessions.

 Conclusions

RRTs support the MoPH&P in reducing or “slowing down” disease transmission as quickly as possible through various activities such as outbreak investigations and health education. Therefore, there is a strong need to continue supporting the RRTs financially and logistically by donors. In addition, governmental financial support to the RRTs is highly recommended to ensure the sustainability of the program.

 RRT roles activities Yemen 2020