Evaluation of Long Term Sub-District Dengue Management activity in Thailand, 2022

Abstract

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease and a major public health problem in Thailand. Effective dengue management plays a crucial role in significantly reducing disease transmission. Therefore, evaluating the key components of dengue management is essential for assessing the readiness of local areas and guiding appropriate response strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Sustainable Subdistrict Dengue Management Program, identify key strengths and limitations, and propose approaches for improving dengue management systems at the subdistrict level.

This study was conducted using an evaluation approach with an assessment tool developed from literature review and dengue management guidelines. The tool covered six domains: disease surveillance, vector surveillance, outbreak control, diagnosis and treatment, risk communication, and stakeholder participation. The assessment tool was piloted and refined before being implemented in an online format. A total of 97 subdistricts from 18 provinces conducted self-assessment with supporting evidence after one year of implementation. Subsequently, a central committee reviewed the evidence and assigned scores based on predefined criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage, and key strengths and limitations were examined by comparing the performance among subdistrict groups at different assessment levels.

The results showed that 5 subdistricts (5.2%) achieved an excellent level, 8 (8.2%) a good level, 9 (9.3%) a fair level, and 75 (77.3%) as basic level, which requires further development. Subdistricts with excellent and good performance shared several key strengths, including systematic analysis of dengue situation data, maintaining larval indices within recommended thresholds, effective surveillance and outbreak control systems, establishment of Dengue Corners and clear referral pathways, comprehensive risk communication, and active stakeholder engagement. In contrast, common limitations across subdistricts included inadequate data recording and reporting systems, larval indices exceeding standard thresholds, and limited stakeholder participation. Based on these findings, strengthening systematic surveillance, prevention, and control systems is recommended. Standardized reporting and continuous monitoring mechanisms should be established, along with policy support from relevant sectors at all administrative levels. In addition, enhancing stakeholder participation is essential to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of dengue management at the subdistrict level.