[Strengthening Community-based Infectious Disease Prevention and Control: Policy Challenges and Strategic Proposal]

This report examined institutional improvement measures aimed at strengthening the infectious disease response capabilities of central and local governments, based on the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic experience.

The current systems and operational status were analyzed according to relevant laws and current literature. Based on the results of the analyses, policy implications were derived.

Roles and systems exist in the central and local governments. To reinforce field-oriented infectious disease response capabilities, newly established Regional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are in place. Additionally, institutional measures were implemented to enhance the capacity of local governments, including the reorganization of the local government evaluation system for infectious disease prevention and control, and the mandatory implementation of infectious disease response training.

To strengthen infectious disease response capabilities, the central government should develop systematic guidelines that can be promptly utilized by field practitioners in various situations. Regional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should function as hubs for developing region-specific response strategies, and local governments should continuously enhance practical field training and education programs.