COVID-19 Case Detection: Cuba's Active Screening Approach

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Cuba has a history of managing epidemics, including HIV, dengue, H1N1, and Zika.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared H1N1, Zika, and Ebola as public health emergencies of international concern.
• COVID-19 emerged in December 2019, rapidly spreading globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline Cuba's strategic response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
• To detail the adaptation of national epidemic control plans for a new pandemic.
• To highlight the multi-sectoral collaboration in public health emergency management.

Main Methods:

• Convening a multi-sector working group coordinated by the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) and Civil Defense.
• Establishing a national reporting system and database with standard protocols.
• Implementing early case detection, contact tracing, and public health messaging.
• Adapting domestic protocols and designing multi-phase control and response mechanisms involving multiple ministries and national institutions.

Main Results:

• A coordinated national response was rapidly mobilized following the identification of COVID-19.
• A comprehensive plan was developed, integrating various sectors for epidemic control.
• Protocols for surveillance, reporting, and public health messaging were standardized.

Conclusions:

• Cuba demonstrated a proactive and coordinated approach to confronting the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The established multi-sectoral framework facilitated a swift and organized national response.
• The national epidemic control plan was effectively tailored to address the SARS-CoV-2 virus.