PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.37, September 18, 2025 Article TypePolicy Note

• Policy Note 2025-09-18

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  Results of Combined Training Exercise for Respond to Disease X in the Capital Region

  Sungchan Yang , Jin Hee Yang , Eun Jung Jang , Kyungwon Hwang

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(37): 1373-1392 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.37.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: To report on a combined training exercise (CTX) conducted to strengthen the capacity to respond to an emerging infectious disease (Disease X) in the capital region and to formulate suggestions for improvement to create an efficient training system.
  Methods: The CTX was conducted twice, focusing on response procedures for suspected and confirmed cases of Disease X, from the quarantine stage to medical institutions. Response to pre detected symptomatic person on board, a symptomatic case at the quarantine response, a symptomatic case in a family group, and a high-risk symptomatic group.
  Results: The operations-based exercise was conducted in a role-playing format to simulate quarantine station congestion and the complaint response process, followed by a simulation exercise on bed assignment and post-confirmation response procedures for high-risk cases ( pregnant women). In addition, diagrammatic exercises were conducted on bed assignment and transfer procedures for confirmed cases, movement of confirmed patients in medical institutions, and the establishment of control areas. In discussion-based training, bed allocation, securing additional beds, improving the communication system, and responding to high-risk groups were discussed. Results of survey, all categories scored above 4.0, indicating high satisfaction.
  Conclusions: CTX involving all relevant organizations is essential to prepare for the inflow of Disease X. Although the CTX had high overall satisfaction, it is necessary to develop standardized questions and conduct a standardization survey to accurately analyze satisfaction. It is also necessary to introduce customized questions for each occupation and organization, and to conduct regular exercises. Based on the CTX in 2024, a training course with the Capital Infectious Disease Hospital will be organized, including a response system in the event of community spread after a confirmed case. The entire cycle of the infectious disease response will be continuously checked and improved to further strengthen the response system in the region.

• Policy Note 2025-09-18

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  Achievements and Expectations of the Rare Disease Diagnostic Support Program in the Republic of Korea

  Ye Eun Lee , Jee Young Kim , Jun Kil Choi , Young Bae Kim , Chong Kun Cheon

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(37): 1393-1409 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.37.2

  Abstract

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  Objectives: The Rare Disease Diagnostic Support Program in the Republic of Korea aims to improve early diagnosis and diagnostic yield for patients with rare diseases, particularly for those residing in non-metropolitan areas, by providing whole genome sequencing (WGS) services through regional medical institutions. This study evaluated the performance of the program, focusing on its clinical utility, including early diagnosis and treatment linkage, and its policy impact related to patient benefits.
  Methods: From August 2024, WGS was performed on 410 patients with suspected rare diseases at 23 institutions outside the metropolitan area. A one-stop diagnostic pathway was established to perform sample collection, test referral, report delivery, and genetic counseling within a single clinical flow based on the patient’s location of residence. Sequencing was performed by external laboratories.
  Results: Among the 410 patients, pathogenic variants were identified in 129 (31.5%), with a turnaround time of 28 days. Of those diagnosed, 78.2% received treatment benefits via national programs such as co-payment exemption and medical expense support programs. Approximately 30% of the patients were eligible for therapeutic intervention, particularly medication or dietary therapy. Family genetic testing of three members identified potential carriers or high-risk groups in 28 households (65.1%). Consent for secondary findings was 99.0%, with clinically significant variants found in 3.9% of cases.
  Conclusions: The program demonstrated clinical value by improving diagnostic accessibility, reducing regional disparities, facilitating timely treatment, and supporting preventive care through family risk identification. These findings support the need for sustainable expansion of genome-based diagnostic services in the national health policy.