Laos backs Asean response to Covid outbreak

Laos has urged other Asean countries to strengthen cooperation to tackle the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, through strong surveillance, early detection and mass vaccination.
Speaking at the online 26th Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council Meeting  on September 29 hosted by Brunei, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket said it was painful to have to accept that the Covid-19 outbreak would not end easily.
This meant that Asean nations must redouble their efforts to meet the resulting challenges.

Laos has so far received more than 5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine and more than 2.9 million people aged 18 to 60 have now had their first shot, while more than 2 million have had two doses.
The government’s aim is to vaccinate 50 percent of the population by the end of this year.
To ensure the continuing implementation of adopted Asean declarations by leaders, in particular the Asean Comprehensive Recovery Framework and its implementation plan which serves as a joint Asean effort to overcome the Covid-19 crisis, Mrs Suanesavanh said members need to strengthen cooperation and promptly share information and best practices on prevention, containment, and adaptive solutions and measures in response to the pandemic.
This would reduce the number of new infections and ensure that most people have access to vaccines.
“In order to minimise the socio-economic impacts and revive Asean economies post-pandemic, we should strengthen and encourage greater participation by the private sector and create more job opportunities for local people,” she said.
This could be made possible through the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund and Asean Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies, as well as the approval of funding for work to address and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic for all Asean citizens.
In addition, Mrs Suanesavanh said it was necessary for Asean members to continue to work together to tighten cross-sectoral and cross-pillar cooperation and strengthen capacity building, human resource development, and information and technology readiness.
This would help Asean countries to counter unexpected threats and environmental challenges that might occur in the future.
Mrs Suanesavanh added that Laos stands ready to work closely with Asean Member States and Dialogue Partners to strengthen cooperation and bring about concrete action and projects to facilitate the integration and centrality of Asean, as well as supporting other pillars towards the digititalisation of the Asean community.
The Asean Socio-Cultural Community is all about realising the full potential of Asean citizens. It aims to promote a high quality of life, equitable access to opportunities, protect human rights, and encourage pride in identity, culture and heritage.
 

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 30, 2021)