Strengthening the Frontline: A Qualitative Evaluation of Emergency Response Capacity at Grassroots CDCs in Post-Pandemic China

As the first responders in public health emergencies, grassroots Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) play a critical role in emergency response efforts. Thus, it is essential to thoroughly understand and improve their capabilities to handle public health emergencies effectively. Qualitative interviews involved 35 employees from 7 grassroots CDCs in Jiangxi province who were actively engaged in or responsible for managing public health emergencies. Both literature research and qualitative research methods were utilized to gather relevant insights and information. Analysis of the data resulted in the emergence of three themes and eight sub-themes. The findings suggest deficiencies in the authorized strength of grassroots CDCs, with varying talent quality in their emergency response teams. Low remuneration leads to talent attrition and recruitment challenges, while the personnel face heavy workloads and significant psychological stress. Although there have been some improvements in hardware facilities, grassroots CDCs' overall predictive and early warning capabilities remain weak. In conclusion, to enhance the capacity of grassroots CDCs in responding to and managing public health emergencies, it is essential to focus on recruiting and training personnel with expertise in epidemiological investigation, data analysis, and early warning systems, and to continuously improve their capabilities. Additionally, it is crucial to enhance the predictive and early warning capabilities of these institutions.