Year: 2024
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: In a public health emergency, regular healthcare and social services require specific attention to ensure they are maintained while resources are diverted towards the emergency. Delays in access to care for infectious conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, and non-infectious diseases, including cardiac disease, stroke, and cancers (the prevalence of which does not decrease during public health emergencies), compound preventable morbidity and mortality. A conscious effort is required to maintain acute care, primary care, and preventative and screening programmes. For vulnerable groups such as children and women, the risk of exploitation, neglect, and abuse increases. Protection services are more important than ever during an infectious disease emergency and will need support and likely, additional resourcing. Schools should only be closed if strongly justified. If inevitable, alternative modes of education should be implemented while ensuring the appropriate infrastructure is in place. It is critical to ensure the availability of these health and social services to uphold the principles of justice and equality.
Source: NUS Press eBooks
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4404659758