THE Ministry of Health and Sports held a meeting yesterday to facilitate increased participation from affiliated organizations against COVID-19.
Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe first delivered a speech. He said this meeting aims to develop a better understanding of preparations to contain COVID-19 and to increase collaboration between the foreign embassies, UN agencies, donor organizations, NGOs and affiliated organizations through the representatives attending this meeting.
He said the ministry began preparing measures against the virus on 1 January after receiving news of its spread in China. He said the ministry has been preparing even before WHO announced the situation as a public health emergency of international concern.
The Union Minister said although there are no confirmed cases in Myanmar yet, the arrival of an infected person can quickly spread the virus across the country. The ministry is dedicated to preventing a single citizen from being infected and for a zero mortality rate.
The Union Minister said they are transparent about sharing information on the virus and have not withheld anything. He said the National Health Laboratory (Yangon) already has the necessary equipment to conduct tests for the virus and have received assistance of primers, probes and reagents from Japan, Thailand and Singapore.
The Union Minister said the ministry regularly holds video conferences with other ministries and relevant departments across the states and regions concerning COVID-19 and to share different perspectives on the matter. He said they have formed groups with different purposes and tasks for COVID-19 across the nation as well.
He said cooperation is the key factor in combating the virus. He said they will document global and domestic events and responses to COVID-19 for future generations to study on. He said the documenting process and work processes should be taught at the University of Public Health (Yangon) and the University of Community Health (Magway).
Afterwards, government officials explained preparations to prevent, contain and treat COVID-19 and UN, NGO and embassy representatives discussed possible assistance and aid that can be provided.
MNA
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Photo: MNA
Ref: The Global New Light of Myanmar