PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.40, October 16, 2025 Article TypePolicy NoteQuickStats

• Policy Note 2025-10-16

  0 177 53

  Enhancing Epidemiological Investigation Capacity through Tabletop Simulation Exercises: A Case on Training for Mongolian Epidemiological Investigation and Response Officials

  Yoo-Yeon Kim , Ji Ae Sim , Eun Kyoung Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(40): 1463-1477 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.40.1

  Abstract

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  Objectives: This study presents the results of tabletop simulation exercises conducted as part of the Mongolian Official Development Assistance Project.
  Methods: The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency provided training to 16 Mongolian public officicers on epidemiological investigations and response processes relating to measles and tuberculosis outbreaks. The training scenarios were structured to guide participants through stepwise discussions, including outbreak recognition, contact tracing and management, and the development of response strategies to mitigate disease transmission. To assess the impact of the training, the participants’ competency improvement and satisfaction were evaluated using a self-evaluation survey. The survey was conducted on-site immediately after the completion of the entire training program.
  Results: During training, the trainees actively presented their opinions and discussed solutions to proposed problems. Among the 16 trainees, 11 completed the self-evaluation evaluation survey, with a mean satisfaction score of 6.6 out of 7. The mean understanding score for infectious disease responses improved from 4.9 points pre-training to 6.3 points post-training.
  Conclusions: These results suggest that training can improve competencies in infectious disease responses. However, this study focused on immediate post-training evaluations, and the long-term impact of training was not assessed. To strengthen infectious disease response capacities, periodic scenario-based simulation training is necessary.

• Policy Note 2025-10-16

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  Strengthening Community-based Infectious Disease Prevention and Control: Policy Challenges and Strategic Proposal

  Min Sun Kim , Hye Young Kim , Jin Ha

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(40): 1478-1491 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.40.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: This report examined institutional improvement measures aimed at strengthening the infectious disease response capabilities of central and local governments, based on the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic experience.
  Methods: The current systems and operational status were analyzed according to relevant laws and current literature. Based on the results of the analyses, policy implications were derived.
  Results: Roles and systems exist in the central and local governments. To reinforce field-oriented infectious disease response capabilities, newly established Regional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are in place. Additionally, institutional measures were implemented to enhance the capacity of local governments, including the reorganization of the local government evaluation system for infectious disease prevention and control, and the mandatory implementation of infectious disease response training.
  Conclusions: To strengthen infectious disease response capabilities, the central government should develop systematic guidelines that can be promptly utilized by field practitioners in various situations. Regional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should function as hubs for developing region-specific response strategies, and local governments should continuously enhance practical field training and education programs.

• QuickStats 2025-10-16

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  Trends in the Intake of Energy, 2014–2023

  Jinyoung Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(40): 1492-1493 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.40.3

  

  

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