Hanoi (VNA) – The UnitedNations General Assembly approved Vietnam’s initiative with a resolution proclaimingDecember 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered a message on the Day (December 27,2020).

The following is the full text of the message.

“The international community is witnessing the closure of 2020, a year full ofchallenges and adversities stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. Against thisbackdrop and at Vietnam's initiative, the United Nations General Assemblyadopted the Resolution proclaiming December 27 as the International Day ofEpidemic Preparedness. This Resolution holds great significance, as it helpsraise awareness for each individual, community, state and the world on theimportance, necessity and urgency of the prevention of, preparedness for andpartnership against epidemics.

In thefight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has marshaled the broad supportand participation of its entire population, with medical workers at theforefront, and engaged in active cooperation with various countries andregional and international organizations. Through such efforts, we have keptthe pandemic under good control, maintained social welfare, bolstered economicrecovery and sustained remarkable growth. By way of these achievements, as aresponsible member of the international community, Vietnam put forward theinitiative for the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness in its capacityas both the 2020 ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the United NationsSecurity Council.

It is truly a great honor that this initiative has received strong support fromthe international community. To elaborate, 112 countries have co-sponsored it.This is testimony to the timeliness of Vietnam's initiative and its relevanceto the international community in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic andother ongoing and future epidemics. It also constitutes another milestone in Vietnam'spursuit of active international integration and enhanced multilateral diplomacy.  


As we celebrate the International Day ofEpidemic Preparedness for the first time, I call upon nations, organizations andindividual to join us in endorsing and observing this Resolution. Let me drawyour attention to these areas:
         
First, we need to forge stronger policy coordinationand unity in action, attaching due importance to international cooperation andthe effort of multilateral institutions for global governance centered aroundthe United Nations. This will enable us to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, preventand combat epidemics effectively.

Second, we must place the people's interest at the heart of all policies andaction, prioritizing the protection of human health and lives above all. In theshort term, we need to ensure affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines andtreatment drugs for people in all countries and territories.

Third, we should actively adapt to the new normal. This translates to acohesive and holistic mix of solutions to promote economic recovery whilefighting the pandemic, facilitate cross-border trade and investment, andmaintain supply chains, especially of essential goods, food and medical supplies.


Vietnam is confident that the international community shall be able toharness the will and strength of people of every nation, internationalsolidarity and cooperation in order to together overcome current challenges andbuild a brighter future for every country and all citizens.

Vietnam stands ready to play its part in this most noble of journeys”./.