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ASEAN experts discuss responses to pandemics

Medical experts from ASEAN nations, the US and European Union (EU), plus representatives from the United Nations are gathering in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for an exercise to improve Southeast Asia’s capabilities in preparing for and responding to serious pandemics.
Medical experts from ASEAN nations, the US and European Union (EU), plusrepresentatives from the United Nations are gathering in Phnom Penh,Cambodia, for an exercise to improve Southeast Asia’s capabilities inpreparing for and responding to serious pandemics.

Thefive-day regional event, which will last until August 20, is beingjointly held by the UN, ASEAN, the U.S. Agency of InternationalDevelopment (USAID), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World HealthOrganisation (WHO).

Addressing the event, ASEAN’s SecretaryGeneral Surin Pitsuwan, said that it is a great opportunity forcommunity medical workers to learn from one another’s experiences.

Challenges like epidemics, the financial crisis and climate change aremajor issues that require both a regional and global response, he said.

The prevention and control of epidemics requires a societywide solution and the wrong responses could lead to severe social andeconomic chaos, which would affect economic growth, he added.

He went on to say that the outcome of the exercise would helpSoutheast Asia to deal with severe epidemics and reduce their impact toa minimum as well as set an example that can be followed on a globalfront./.
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