Yeongju Public Health Center Selected as an Excellent Institution for Bioterrorism Response... Commended by the Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

Yeongju City Public Health Center announced on the 26th that it was selected as an 'Excellent Institution for Biological Terrorism Response in 2024' and received a commendation from the Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

The 2024 large-scale biological terrorism preparedness and response drill was conducted by representatives from 17 local governments nationwide, with the results of each local government's drill being evaluated and compiled. Yeongju City achieved third place among local governments nationwide, earning recognition as an excellent institution.

Yeongju Public Health Center Selected as an Excellent Institution for Bioterrorism Response... Commended by the Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

Yeongju City is conducting a large-scale simulation exercise for biological terrorism preparedness and response.

The drill held on October 17 at the KT&G Yeongju Factory was organized by the Yeongju City Public Health Center and involved about 170 participants from 15 related organizations, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Yeongju Police Station, Yeongju Fire Station, Police Special Forces, Gyeongbuk 119 Special Response Team, and the 50th Division CRST. The drill simulated a real-life scenario involving a suspected biological terrorism (smallpox) incident.

The drill included △ police receiving reports and disseminating information △ initial response measures △ collection and transport of environmental samples △ decontamination of exposed individuals △ operation of on-site emergency clinics and epidemiological investigations △ environmental decontamination of contaminated areas △ capture of terrorists and media briefing, with each agency performing its assigned roles quickly and accurately, receiving high evaluations.

According to the city health center, biological terrorism refers to acts that use viruses, bacteria, fungi, or toxins derived from living organisms to cause disease or death in humans or animals with the aim of societal collapse. Pathogens are inexpensive to produce and can cause significant damage even in small quantities, making them highly likely to be exploited for terrorism. Therefore, establishing an organic preparedness and response system involving civilians, government, military, and police is essential at all times.

Kim Moon-su, Director of the Public Health Center, stated, “This recognition as an excellent institution is the result of the close cooperation between Yeongju City and related organizations in preparing for biological terrorism,” adding, “We will do our best to protect the lives and safety of citizens by strengthening the initial response system and inter-agency cooperation.”