The European Union (EU) has announced a new 20-million euros program to support the preparedness and response capacities of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-states, including the Philippines, as part of Team Europe's global response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) pandemic.
Through the World Health Organization (WHO), the Southeast Asia Pandemic Response and Preparedness program will be implemented by working closely with national authorities and the ASEAN Secretariat.
The program will enhance regional coordination of the COVID-19 response and strengthen the capacity of health systems in Southeast Asia while paying special attention to vulnerable populations.
According to Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships, the Southeast Asia Pandemic Response and Preparedness program is part of the EU’s 350-million euros solidarity response to support ASEAN partners in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Strong regional coordination on access to information, equipment, and vaccines is essential for overcoming this crisis. We are in this together and, as partners, stronger together,” Urpilainen said at the 23rd EU-ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting.
With a 42-month duration, the program will strengthen the monitoring and testing capacities of ASEAN member-states, and the capacity of their health institutions and workers to manage the caseload while maintaining essential health services.
It will also support timely and transparent communication about the pandemic, and help reach people living in rural and remote areas with information about the preventive measures, symptoms, and risks.