PM attends online meeting of 73rd World Health Assembly
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended
the 73rd World Health Assembly which was held in the form of video conference on
May 18-19 at the invitation of General Director of the World Health
Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The event drew the UN Secretary General, nearly 150 medical leaders of member
states and 15 special guests who are heads of States and Governments.
Speaking at the event, PM Phuc said aware of the danger of COVID-19 since its
outset, the Vietnamese Government has mobilized the involvement of administrations
at all levels, the national medical system, scientists and the army. The
Government was firm in implementing concentrated quarantine, tracing and
controlling infection sources, and accepted sacrificing short-term economic
interests to protect public health.
He highlighted that with a population of nearly 100 million people, Vietnam has
so far recorded 324 infection cases and zero death, adding that May 19 was the
33rd day without transmission in the community. The country has entered a “new
normal” situation, focusing on economic development while maintaining effective
epidemic prevention, he said.
According to him, the Vietnamese Government, businesses, organisations and
individuals have offered medical supplies and shared experience with many
countries, including those hard hit by the pandemic.
The PM took the occasion to call on countries to stay united and pool resources
to effectively cope with the pandemic.
He
suggested countries devise post-pandemic development plans in combination with
ensuring social welfare for the public, especially the poor and the vulnerable.
As ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam hosted and attended many discussions to seek a
common voice and initiatives in the fight against COVID-19, providing support the
people and working for economic recovery, he said.
PM Phuc expressed his belief that in the face of the most serious challenges
since the establishment of the United Nations and the WHO, the international
community will continue upholding the strong will and power of each nation and
the strong international solidarity and cooperation to overcome the challenge and
build a better future for each country and all citizens.
Participants agreed to pool information and expertise worldwide to cope with
the pandemic, and continue coordinating regional and global efforts in
responding to the pandemic and researching vaccine and medicines to cure the
disease./.