Abstract
The objective of this study was to review and analyze the problems and obstacles of health surveillance system for haze in Chiang Mai including to propose policy recommendations for the development of health surveillance system for haze. The study methods were literature reviews of health surveillance systems in overseas countries, in Ministries of Public Health and Natural Resources and Environment, and in Chiang Mai province. For domestic reviews, the related governmental officials were in-depth interviewed. In addition, the experts in the field had been convened for brainstorming.
The results showed that the surveillance system that might be suitable to Thailand is the World Health Organization’s STEPwise approach to Surveillance or STEPS, by using model so-called DPSEEA Model developed by the World Health Organization to construct the health indicators. In regard to data dissemination derived from surveillance system, the Internet-based Health & Air Pollution Surveillance System (iHAPSS) developed by the John Hopkins University is recommended. The recommendations for the policy makers are that the Ministry of Public Health should play a major role in setting the health surveillance system including database system, health indicators and steps of surveillance in full details. Furthermore, it should develop a manual of health surveillance system for haze for the health personnel to use as a guildline. There should be also training courses for the health personnel to upgrade their capacity in diagnosing haze-related health problems and in statictical analysis to link the health problems and air pollutants. For Chiang Mai province level, the role model of health surveillance system for haze should be developed by focusing on reporting system, frequency of reports, linkage analysis of air pollutants and health problems, including on the utilization of data analyses to seriously warn or manage the haze problems. Additionally, the health surveillance system for haze in general population version should be promoted.
