Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the management of public health emergencies of health
systems. This qualitative research aimed: 1) to study the situation, lessons learned, and challenges in
preparedness, prevention, and response to the COVID-19 emergency; and 2) to evaluate the outcomes
of emergency management systems during the COVID-19 crisis of the southern border provinces. The
participants consisted of 115 policy key informants and 139 practitioners purposively selected. Data
collection methods included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and brainstorming sessions.
The transcribed data were analyzed using content analysis. Results revealed that the preparedness,
prevention, and responses to the COVID-19 emergency by the tertiary, secondary, and primary
healthcare systems in the five southern border provinces were inadequate. Challenges included
limitations in establishing emergency operation centers and incident command systems, lack of preparedness drills according to operational guidelines. Team members did not fully understand their roles and
responsibilities within the mission framework (situation assessment, operations, risk communication, case
management, medical supplies and logistics, and legal aspects). Additionally, insufficient personnel and
budget for proper management of COVID-19 patients and the deceased according to scientific protocols
and lifestyle/religious beliefs posed obstacles to disease prevention and control efforts. The evaluation of
public health emergency management system revealed that all provinces lacked efficiency in preventing
and controlling COVID-19. The Ministry of Public Health should establish policies and allocate necessary
resources to enable continuous preparedness drills for national epidemic response plans, emergency
operation centers, and incident command systems at the provincial and district levels. Collaborations with
special agencies such as the Provincial Islamic Committee Office, Islamic religious leaders, and religious
teachers should be fostered to address future epidemics.
