Does the Public Health Security Capacity Provide Better Preparedness for Health Emergencies? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 180 Countries During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between the health security capacities at the national level and preparedness for health emergencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Data were extracted from the GHS report to evaluate the global health security capabilities in 180 countries. A linear regression analysis was performed with COVID-19 outcomes, as measured by the rate of incidence and vaccination doses, CFR, and PCR tests. Spearman correlation was used among potential explanatory factors. Findings: The GHS Index was inversely correlated with CFR and incidence rates, whereas it was positively associated with the vaccination and the PCR test rates. Countries with high health security capacities were significantly more likely to provide better preparedness for health emergencies in response to the outbreak. However, the vaccination doses’ rate and the number of PCR tests were significantly differ depending on countries’ income levels. Conclusions: Although health security capacity is essential to control public health emergencies effectively, it cannot predict whether or how well a country will use them in a crisis. Policymakers should identify their risk factors and capacity gaps and take into consideration the building of health security capacities in national budgets for long-term public health preparedness.