STUDY DESIGN: This ecological study utilises the data from the 'Our World in Data' website.
METHODS: In this study, the COVID-19 pandemic situation in each country is described by looking at the average daily number of deaths and cases per million population throughout 2021. A paired t-test was conducted to compare the significance of differences in the pandemic situation between 2020 and 2021. In addition, the COVID-19 vaccination profiles throughout 2021 were investigated. A multiple linear regression analysis was then performed to develop models to explain the factors influencing the COVID-19 pandemic situation in these three countries.
RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic situation in Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan in 2021 is significantly different from 2020. Malaysia had the highest COVID-19 vaccination coverage (79.4%), followed by Taiwan (78.5%) and Indonesia (58.3%). This study found that the following three factors consistently influenced the number of deaths and cases in these three countries [1]: positivity rate [2]; number of tests per 1000 population; and [3] number of tests per case.
CONCLUSIONS: Although the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic situations in Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan was different, it is significantly influenced by the quality and quantity of COVID-19 testing and screening, in addition to the vaccination programmes and restriction policies implemented in each country. As a result of the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to mutate, it is recommended that each country strengthen their comprehensive approach to have an effective and efficient coping strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic.