GHSCO initiated the RUSH Outreach Program to identify gaps in health security measures for foreigners in Korea and prepare enhanced national protocols for future pandemic responses. GHSCO staff visited 11 embassies in Korea for interviews to find significant challenges in protecting foreign nationals during public health emergencies.
The RUSH Outreach Program was designed to identify challenges faced by foreigners during COVID-19 and to develop improved protocols for future pandemic responses in the Republic of Korea.
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Redefine: Re-framing health security approaches from a user perspective rather than solely from a policy standpoint
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Utilize: Leveraging existing tools and evaluation methods to efficiently identify vulnerabilities
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Share: Promoting information sharing among health authorities and various ministries
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Health Diplomacy: Emphasizing the essential role of global health diplomacy
The RUSH Outreach Program has effectively identified critical gaps in Korea's pandemic response for foreign nationals. The challenges faced by embassies—from language barriers and communication difficulties to cultural differences and technical obstacles—highlight the need for specialized approaches to protect international communities during public health emergencies.
By implementing the proposed improvements, GHSCO aims to build a more inclusive and effective pandemic preparedness system that protects all residents regardless of nationality. The program's findings emphasize that effective pandemic response requires not only sound public health measures but also cultural sensitivity, accessible communication, and international cooperation.
Program's slogan
"Let's not rush during pandemics.We can together accomplish, with patience, our goals that we can brush through the GHSCO's RUSH Outreach Program."
- This patient, and collaborative pandemic preparedness will help ensure that future public health emergencies are managed with greater coordination between Korean authorities and foreign missions, ultimately protecting all residents of Korea better.