Medical staff prepare to inject a 50mcg shot of the homegrown COVID-19 vaccine Nano Covax into a volunteer in Hà Nội on Saturday. The first International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, an initiative by Việt Nam, was celebrated worldwide yesterday amid the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease. VNA/VNS Photo Diệp Trương

HÀ NỘI Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Sunday called on nations, organisations and individuals to observe the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (December 27), an initiative started by Việt Nam and adopted by the United Nations at the beginning of December.

In a message released to celebrate the occasion, the Vietnamese PM wrote: “In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Việt Nam has marshalled the broad support and participation of its entire population, with medical workers at the forefront, and engaged in active cooperation with various countries and regional and international organisations.

“Through such efforts, we have kept the pandemic under control, maintained social welfare, bolstered economic recovery and sustained remarkable growth.”

He highlighted three key areas that need strong focus to further control and prevent COVID-19.

“First, we need to forge stronger policy coordination and unity in action, attaching due importance to international cooperation and the effort of multilateral institutions for global governance centred around the United Nations,” his message reads. “This will enable us to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent and combat epidemics effectively.

“Second, we must place the people's interest at the heart of all policies and action, prioritising 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.

“Third, we should actively adapt to the new normal. This translates to a cohesive and holistic mix of solutions to promote economic recovery while fighting the pandemic, facilitate cross-border trade and investment, and maintain supply chains, especially of essential goods, food and medical supplies.”

The PM also expressed a strong belief in a better future for the world.

“Việt Nam is confident 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.

“Việt Nam stands ready to play its part in this noblest of journeys.”

Việt Nam’s resolution for the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was approved by the United Nations General Assembly on December 7.

The initiative is being co-sponsored by 112 countries.VNS