India reaffirms commitment to working with neighbouring countries to combat COVID-19
India has reaffirmed commitment to working closely with its neighbours to combat the novel coronavirus, code named COVID-19 by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
This is contained in a statement by Dr Garika Tejeswar, the Second Secretary, High Commission of India released in Abuja to provide an update on the outcome of a “Digital Video Conference”, organised with a view to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference, which was described as a key regional initiative by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was held in collaboration with leaders of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
“The leaders listed actions taken in each country and shared thoughts on the way forward. Several had warm words for this initiative and for assistance delivered by India bilaterally.
“India’s approach to combatting COVID-19 has been that of heightened surveillance and monitoring, and high public awareness.
“First, health advisory was issued by India on Jan. 17, (then) thermal screening at airports and at land border crossing points was put in place together with increased restrictions on travel.
“Over 1450 Indians and citizens from several neighbouring countries were evacuated,” Tejeswar quoted the prime minister as saying.
He said that offers made by India to its SAARC partners are the setting up of a COVID-19 Emergency Fund based on voluntary contributions and the pledge of 10 million U.S. dollars as a start.
Some other offers made by India are the Indian Rapid Response Teams of doctors, specialists, and testing equipment.
Part of the offers are “online training capsules on emergency response staff for all SAARC countries, using the Indian model to raise capacity of emergency staff across India.
“The sharing of software on Integrated Health Information Platform for Disease Surveillance and training to use this MIS system for all SAARC partners.
“Use of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre to identify and popularise best practices in fighting COVID-19.
“For the future, proposed creation of a Research Platform for all SAARC States to share ideas and proposals for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for diseases and epidemics,” the prime minister was further quoted as saying.
Tejeswar said that the full video conference could be watched via https://www.pscp.tv/w/1BRKjQjQYrgxw?t=34s
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SAARC which seeks to promote deeper integration for peace and prosperity, has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka as members.
