Vietnam committed to int’l cooperation in combating epidemics

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc calls for stronger international cooperation to prevent and combat epidemics.

Phuc made the statement in his message delivered on the occasion of International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (Dec. 27), an initiative put forward by Vietnam and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly this year.

He thanked the UN General Assembly for passing Vietnam’s initiative, which emphasizes the importance, necessity and urgency of the prevention of, preparedness for and partnership against epidemics, including the current COVID-19 pandemic and others in the future.

To realize the initiative, the Vietnamese Government leader called on all nations, organisations and people to forge stronger policy coordination and unity in action, with a primary focus on international cooperation as well as the effort of multilateral institutions for global governance centered around the United Nations, in order to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent and combat epidemics effectively.

“We must place people’s interest at the heart of all policies and actions, prioritizing the protection of human health and lives above all. In the short term, we need to ensure affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs for people in all countries and territories,” said Phuc.

To actively adapt to the new normal, he said all nations should adopt synchronous and holistic solutions to promote economic recovery and fight the pandemic at the same time, facilitate cross-border trade and investment, and maintain supply chains, especially of essential goods, food and medical supplies.

“Vietnam is confident that the international community shall be able to harness the will and strength of people of every nation, international solidarity and cooperation in order to together overcome current challenges and build a brighter future for every country and all citizens,” stated Phuc.

The UN General Assembly has adopted a Resolution proclaiming December 27 as International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, an initiative introduced by Vietnam following the country’s initial success in holding the COVID-19 disease at bay. The resolution has receive support of 112 countries worldwide.

Vietnam has so far brought the pandemic under control thanks to the broad support and participation of its entire population, as well as active cooperation with other countries and international organizations. The effective response to the disease has enabled the country to maintain social welfare, reboot the economy and sustain remarkable growth.

In its role as the ASEAN Chair in 2020, Vietnam has also worked closely with other countries in Southeast Asia to launch initiatives aimed at weathering the COVID-19 crisis.