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The Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Health Emergency and Disaster in Japan

Author

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  • Tomohiro Ishimaru

    (Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Shoichi Shimizu

    (Department of Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Ayaka Teshima

    (Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Tobacco Control Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Control, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Gran Via de l’Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Koki Ibayashi

    (Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Mihoko Arikado

    (Kitakyushu Public Health Center, Kitakyushu City, Kitakyushu 802-8560, Japan)

  • Yoko Tsurugi

    (Kikuchi Public Health Center, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kikuchi 861-1331, Japan)

  • Seiichiro Tateishi

    (Disaster Occupational Health Center, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Makoto Okawara

    (Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the importance of health emergency and disaster risk management (EDRM) to reduce the risks and impacts of infectious disease outbreaks. We investigated Japan’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on changes made to the current health EDRM. Findings from document analysis and semi-structured interviews with six experts were integrated to provide insights into Japan’s health EDRM to improve outcomes in future health emergencies. Relevant information was extracted from COVID-19 policy documents published by the Japanese government, and the interviews validated and expanded on the data already collected. Challenges faced in the country’s response to COVID-19 and the changes made to the health EDRM framework are summarised. Findings were grouped into human resource topics (including essential health EDRM positions and safety of personnel), health service delivery topics (including public health and hospital primary care services), and logistical topics (including vaccination, personal protective equipment, patient transport, and telecommunications). These responses to the pandemic could serve as an example of good practice for other countries developing strategies for future health emergencies and disasters.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomohiro Ishimaru & Shoichi Shimizu & Ayaka Teshima & Koki Ibayashi & Mihoko Arikado & Yoko Tsurugi & Seiichiro Tateishi & Makoto Okawara, 2022. "The Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Health Emergency and Disaster in Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-13, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:15686-:d:983863
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eri Osawa & Hiroko Okuda & Kyoko Koto-Shimada & Akira Shibanuma & Tomoya Saito, 2022. "The Environment Encouraging COVID-19 Response at Public Health Centers and Future Challenges in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Krzysztof Goniewicz & Eric Carlström & Attila J. Hertelendy & Frederick M. Burkle & Mariusz Goniewicz & Dorota Lasota & John G. Richmond & Amir Khorram-Manesh, 2021. "Integrated Healthcare and the Dilemma of Public Health Emergencies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-13, April.
    3. Amir Khorram-Manesh & Maxim A. Dulebenets & Krzysztof Goniewicz, 2021. "Implementing Public Health Strategies—The Need for Educational Initiatives: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-21, May.
    4. Amir Khorram-Manesh & Frederick M. Burkle, 2020. "Disasters and Public Health Emergencies—Current Perspectives in Preparedness and Response," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-5, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jaeyoung Park & Jeehee Min & Ji-Hun Song & Min Young Park & Hyoungseob Yoo & Ohwi Kwon & Munyoung Yang & Seoyoung Kim & Jongin Lee & Jun-Pyo Myong, 2023. "The COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Its Impact on Post-Corona Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management in Republic of Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.

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