Table 6 Collaboration and Engagement

Collaboration and Engagement

Forging mutually dependent partnerships

A climate of distrust, paternalistic legacies, managing prejudice, working towards a mutual objective

Nowadays … there seems to be a lot of talk about silo this … silo that, about breaking down silos … let’s look at our own [emphasise] organisation first....Are we ready to work together in an open way with other agencies? Why do you think at some districts, the private PCO did not last long? … Of course there are many reasons … if you start pointing fingers at each other....[laughs]

(Inspectorate and Legislative Unit 3)

Beyond the domain of the health system

Stretching the limits, the rapid pace of progress, insufficient capabilities and capacities

I think we are quite aware … that contributing factors like rapid urbanisation, poor garbage disposal and basic sanitation, increased mobility. … I mean movement of people, which is getting further and wider … foreigners staying at apartments and flats housing … made it more difficult to cut out dengue …. You get what I mean. … It is not that straightforward … .

(Entomologist 2)

To bring dengue cases under control … I am talking about long-term measures here … will require strong partnership between local authorities [district health offices] and local communities … and also other local stakeholders … be it the NGOs, local businesses … concerned individuals or champions … that have an active interest …. [P15]

(Assistant Environmental Health Officer)