Answer to Oral Question PL105

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG MOHAMMAD BIN ABDULLAH @ LIM SWEE ANN asked the MENTERI KESIHATAN to state the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess the effectiveness of health pandemic preparedness. Are simulation exercises or regular audits conducted to test the level of preparedness?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan

Pandemic preparedness is assessed based on a framework aligned with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). At the international level, the assessment is conducted through two main mechanisms: the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and the State Party Self-Assessment Annual Reporting (SPAR).

The main indicators used include:

1. The capacity for surveillance and early detection of public health threats;
2. Laboratory capacity and diagnostic response time;
3. Reporting and inter-agency coordination systems;
4. Hospital preparedness, including infection control and treatment capacity;
5. Risk communication to the public; and
6. Logistics planning and strategic supplies.

In 2019, the Ministry of Health conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) together with the World Health Organization (WHO), in which Negara Brunei Darussalam demonstrated strong capacity in several key areas, including the public health legislative framework, national laboratory system, immunisation coverage, international reporting mechanisms, preparedness at points of entry, and risk communication systems. The assessment also identified areas for improvement, particularly in structured training and the regular testing of plans.

Since then, strengthening efforts have been implemented through the National Action Plan for Health Security. The Ministry of Health also consistently conducts simulation exercises and After Action Reviews (After Action Review). The exercises conducted include:

• the annual IHR Crystal Exercise organised by WHO,
• a tabletop exercise related to rabies together with the animal health sector under the One Health approach, as well as
• regional simulation exercises related to public health emergencies and disaster management.

Hospital contingency plans and the activation of emergency operations centres are also tested regularly to ensure clarity of roles, communication flows and inter-agency coordination.

The Ministry’s approach is clear: preparedness is not merely about having documents or plans, but ensuring that these plans are continuously tested, assessed and improved.

InsyaAllah, through assessments aligned with international standards, clear indicators and regular simulation exercises, the country’s level of preparedness will continue to be strengthened to face any public health threats in the future.