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. 2013:6.
doi: 10.3402/ehtj.v6i0.19944. Epub 2013 Jan 25.

Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance (MBDS): a trust-based network

Bounlay Phommasack  1 , Chuleeporn Jiraphongsa, Moe Ko Oo, Katherine C Bond, Natalie Phaholyothin, Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, Kumnuan Ungchusak, Sarah B Macfarlane
Affiliations

Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance (MBDS): a trust-based network

Bounlay Phommasack et al. Emerg Health Threats J. 2013.

Abstract

The Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance (MBDS) network was formally established in 2001 through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by six Ministers of Health of the countries in the Greater Mekong sub-region: Cambodia, China (Yunnan and Guangxi), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The main areas of focus of the network are to: i) improve cross-border infectious disease outbreak investigation and response by sharing surveillance data and best practices in disease recognition and reporting, and by jointly responding to outbreaks; ii) develop expertise in epidemiological surveillance across the countries; and iii) enhance communication between the countries. Comprised of senior health officials, epidemiologists, health practitioners, and other professionals, the MBDS has grown and matured over the years into an entity based on mutual trust that can be sustained into the future. Other regions have started emulating the network's pioneering work. In this paper, we describe the development of MBDS, the way in which it operates today, and some of its achievements. We present key challenges the network has faced and lessons its members have learned about how to develop sufficient trust for health and other professionals to alert each other to disease threats across national borders and thereby more effectively combat these threats.

Keywords: FETP; MBDS; Mekong Basin; cross-border; epidemiological capacity; human resource; infectious disease surveillance; outbreak investigation and response; regional network; trust-based collaboration.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Greater Mekong Sub-region. Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (1).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
MBDS coordinating mechanism (N/W & Org=networks and organizations). Source: MBDS.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Location of cross-border sites developed from 2003 to 2012 (“From 2012” sites include some sites still pending). Source: MBDS.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Images of MBDS post-disaster relief aid to Cyclone Nargis-affected area in Myanmar. Source: MBDS.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. The National Bureau of Asian Research. Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance (MBDS) Network. [cited 2012 July 4]; Available from: http://www.pacifichealthsummit.org/downloads/HITCaseStudies/Functional/M....
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    1. Tauxe RV. Cholera. Bacterial Infections of Humans: Epidemiology and Control. In: S. ABranchman ES, Branchman PS, editors. 3rd ed. New York: Plenum Publishing Corporation; 1998.
    1. World Health Organization [WHO] Cholera in Cambodia. Global Alert and Response (GAR) 1999. May 21, [cited 2012 July 5]; Available from: http://www.who.int/csr/don/1999_05_21/en/index.html.

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