Challenges faced by health policymakers responding to Covid-19 in remote communities in Northwest Territories, Canada

Datos Bibliográficos

ID22945119
AutoresMoutasem Zakkar (0000-0002-8131-7493, University of Alberta), Fariba Kolahdooz (0000-0001-5316-4058, University of Alberta), Se Lim Jang (0000-0003-2093-7493, University of Alberta), Adrian Wagg (0000-0002-5372-530X, University of Alberta), Debbie DeLancey (0009-0008-8423-0095, Aurora College , Information Bag 9700, 5004 54 Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories , X1A 2R6), Stephanie Irlbacher‐Fox (Government of Northwest Territories), Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox (Hotıì ts’eeda Northwest Territories SPOR SUPPORT Unit 1000, 4920 52 Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories , X1A 3T1), André Corriveau (0000-0003-2361-0605, Independent Public Health Consultant for Northwest Territories and Nunavut , 4916 47 Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories , X1A 1L7), Carolyn Gotay (0000-0001-6861-5392, University of British Columbia), Sangita Sharma (0000-0002-4995-0010, University of Alberta)
Año2025
Volumen40
Número5
Fecha de publicación2025-09-03
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
EditorialOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daaf159
PMID41098136
OpenAlexW4415279797
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas65

The health systems’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic controlled the virus’s spread but exposed fragmented systems and operational challenges globally. Understanding these issues is essential for enhancing health system capabilities and improving future pandemic responses. This study explored the perspectives of health policymakers in Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, on the challenges to responding to COVID-19 and implementing the necessary public health measures in the jurisdiction. This study utilized a qualitative descriptive design and a community-based participatory research approach. Framework analysis, guided by the World Health Organization’s Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management framework, was used for data analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed. Convenience sampling was used to recruit policymakers working in NWT. Data were collected between June and August 2021 from 65 policymakers using semi-structured interviews. Participants worked in territorial (71.7%), regional (14.3%), and community (14.3%) organizations. Four themes were identified: governance (e.g. unclear roles and responsibilities, policy lag, and limited community consultation), public risk communication (e.g. complexity of information and language barriers), community-level (e.g. community’s distrust of the health system and geographic barriers), and health system challenges (e.g. limited human resource capacity and material resources, absence of robust information systems). To build a resilient health system in NWT for future pandemics, it is essential to define roles and responsibilities, collaborate with healthcare providers and community leaders, develop efficient data infrastructure, and enhance system capacity. Effective communication and fostering trust between the government and communities are important.

Citizen journalism · Community health · Corporate governance · Distrust · Government (linguistics) · Health care · Public health · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Zoonotic diseases and public health · Health Policy