Combating SARS and H1N1: Insights and Lessons From Singapore’s Public Health Control Measures
ASEAS - Austrian Journal of South-East Asian Studies, 5(1), 74-101
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Research Paper No. LKYSPP 12-11
29 Pages Posted: 18 Aug 2012
Date Written: August 1, 2012
Abstract
Managing the outbreak of infectious diseases is a major public health imperative for the small island-state of Singapore. In this paper, we discuss and assess the Singaporean government’s public health measures to combat the 2003 SARS and the 2009 H1N1 pandemics. Crucially, the government established a clear line of command and control to execute drastic public health control measures at three main fronts: healthcare providers, community levels, and at border-crossings. Key characteristics of these public health control measures are case management, outbreak control, surveillance, public education, temperature screening, and, as a last resort, quarantine. By providing a chronological account of the public health control measures introduced to combat SARS and H1N1 in Singapore, this paper seeks to add to the body of knowledge on pandemic management.
Keywords: SARS, H1N1, public health control measures, infectious disease, Singapore
JEL Classification: I18, K32, N45, P36
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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