Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 14) — Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to further strengthen cooperation with each other to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the region.
In a special virtual summit of leaders from the region on Tuesday, ASEAN member states decided to share with each other real time information on their responses to the pandemic, including research on potential vaccines and treatments for the disease, and the enhancement of the capacity of public health systems.
They also agreed to intensify cooperation to provide enough medicine, essential medical supplies and equipment, including diagnostic tools and personal protective equipment.
Leaders of Southeast Asian nations also encouraged the development of regional reserves of medical supplies and the use of ASEAN reserve warehouses to support their nations’ needs during public health emergencies.
The 10-member regional bloc reiterated their commitment to mitigating the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining the well-being of its people.
They also called for the use of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve and the strengthening the regional supply chains to ensure food security in the region.
The group gave a nod to boosting support for vulnerable populations, micro, small, and medium enterprises and other businesses to improve the stability of the regional economy. It also includes providing measures to prevent social disruption and implement responsive social protection systems.
ASEAN leaders say they remain committed to their pledge to the international community to suppress the spread of the pandemic in the region.
“We pledge to remain united and vigilant against COVID-19 and commit to work closely with the WHO, ASEAN’s external partners and the international community to suppress the spread of the pandemic, protect people’s lives and livelihoods, maintain socio-economic stability while sustaining ASEAN Community building momentum for sustainable development, inclusive growth and leaving no one behind,” the statement reads.
The latest tally by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering shows the 10 countries in the Southeast Asian region have confirmed 21,195 COVID-19 cases with 931 deaths and 4,042 recoveries.
The Philippines now has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in the region, with 5,223 cases. Malaysia ranks second with 4,987 cases, and Indonesia is at close third with 4,839 confirmed cases.
Indonesia recorded the highest COVID-19 death toll in the region at 459. While the Philippines is second in the most COVID-19 casualties in the region with 335.
Malaysia holds the highest number of COVID-19 recoveries in Southeast Asia with 2,478. Thailand is in second place with 1,405 recoveries.
