Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the core capacities to implement World Health Organization International Health Regulations (IHR) in 6 countries: Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, and the Republic of Korea. Methods: Secondary data from relevant databases and reports, including the electronic State Party Self-Assessment Annual Reporting mechanism and global health security index, were used to assess health security in these countries. Descriptive statistics summarized the basic features of the scores, and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was subsequently performed to identify factors affecting health security scores while highlighting key similarities and differences between countries. Results: Early warning and event management emerged as the primary strength in most countries. Common opportunities included international commitments and immunization programs. In contrast, many countries shared weaknesses related to the policy, legal, and normative frameworks for IHR implementation, as well as challenges in human resources, chemical event management, and radiation emergency preparedness. Recurring threats involved issues such as biosafety, biosecurity, dual-use research and the culture of responsible science, infection control practices, coordination between public health and security authorities, laboratory supply chain vulnerabilities, and communication with healthcare workers during public health emergencies. Conclusion: In order to counter future global health threats, countries should prioritize enhancing surveillance capacity (early warning and event management) as well as the immunization indicator (vaccination rates for human and animal diseases, including the national vaccine delivery system).

Kim JY, et al. Yonsei Med J. 2023 Jun;64(6):351-358. https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2022.0656

Kyuta VA, et al. J Glob Health Sci. 2025 Dec;7:e30. https://doi.org/10.35500/jghs.2025.7.e30

Background/Objectives: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria represent a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings. In Ghana’s Tamale Metropolis, limited data exist on the prevalence and trends of MDR bacteria, posing challenges to effective antimicrobial stewardship. Methods: This study analyzed microbiological data from 2020 to 2023 to address these knowledge gaps. Results: Among the 4859 clinical samples analyzed, 1570 (33.7%) yielded Gram-negative bacterial isolates, with an MDR prevalence of 40.6%. The most frequently isolated organisms were Klebsiella spp. (28.9%) and Escherichia coli (20.4%). Resistance to cephalosporins (51%) and ciprofloxacin (46%) was particularly pronounced, highlighting the diminishing efficacy of commonly used antibiotics. Older adults (aged 60 years and above) presented the highest MDR prevalence, reflecting the vulnerability of this demographic group. Conclusion:These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship programs, improved infection prevention and control measures, and continuous resistance monitoring to combat the growing threat of MDR bacteria in the region. Strengthening laboratory capacity and adherence to strict antibiotic usage policies are crucial for reducing the burden of MDR infections and improving patient outcomes.