(VOVWORLD) - A people-centered approach and improving people’s health are key goals of the ASEAN Community. As COVID-19 spreads, ASEAN countries have united to protect people’s health and maintain ASEAN’s economic health.
 ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi |
ASEAN members have worked closely on healthcare programs. They have shared experience, resources, and technology to ensure the best possible healthcare for their people.
Active response to disease
ASEAN leaders issued a statement confirming their strong commitment to controlling the COVID-19 epidemic by strengthening cooperation at the national and regional level, coordinating the response of agencies, and working with the WHO, partners, and international organizations.
ASEAN countries will collaborate in conducting health checks at border gates. ASEAN diplomatic agencies in other countries have been asked to support ASEAN citizens as necessary.
An ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Retreat last Saturday in Hanoi issued a joint statement on cooperation against COVID-19.
ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi said: “Covid-19 started in China. But ASEAN leaders through Vietnam’s Chairmanship issued a statement of our solidarity and support. I’m sure the Declaration issued by the Defense Ministers is another indication of ASEAN’s collaboration. We can work together to ensure people’s health.”
Promoting Vietnam’s role as ASEAN Chair for 2020
Vietnam has identified responding to the COVID-19 as one of its most important tasks as ASEAN Chair for 2020. Since its outbreak on January 30, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh have sent letters to all ASEAN Foreign Ministers to propose measures to cope with the disease.
On February 14, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc discussed the epidemic with other ASEAN leaders and issued the ASEAN Chair’s Statement on ASEAN’s collective response to COVID-19.
One week later, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh convened a meeting of ASEAN’s Coordinating Committee to discuss countermeasures.
ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi said that cohesion and adaptation are important in any issues, including dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic. ASEAN countries hope to build collective programs in healthcare, he added.
ASEAN countries will organize a drill to respond to the spread of COVID-19. Drawing on their experience in handling the SARS outbreak in 2003, ASEAN countries have pledged to work with the ASEAN community to ensure physical and economic health.