Brunei Darussalam has conducted a comprehensive review under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) , in collaboration with international experts, to enhance core capacities to prevent and respond to public health emergencies from disease outbreaks and all other hazards, including chemical, radiation and natural hazards.
The review used the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool, which consists of 19 technical areas including IHR communication and coordination, points of entry, surveillance, laboratory capacity and risk communication, to name a few. Experts made field visits to various sites.
The government is commited to building up national capacities as a continuous process, tailored to the needs and priorities of the country, ensuring that all will be protected, particularly those potentially marginalized or vulnerable. WHO closely collaborates with health authorities, providing technical guidance and operational support to the country to maintain and enhance emergency preparedness and response capacities, including for COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health and response agencies have acted quickly to COVID-19 and have implemented effective containment measures to find, test, isolate and treat cases and trace contacts. WHO stands ready to support their efforts.
The JEE review results will help highlight the strengths and good practices of Brunei Darussalam’s health security systems.