On 27 December it was declared by the UN as the International Epidemic Preparedness Day, on the initiative of the Vietnam Embassy to the UN, under the devastating impact of infectious diseases, epidemics and pandemics on human life, impacting the economic and social development of nations in the short, medium and long term , especially in countries with vulnerable economies. In turn, the date pays homage to the French chemist and bacteriologist Louis Pasteur, as a precursor to modern microbiology and one of the scientists who laid the foundations of preventive medicine.
This initiative seeks to promote awareness, prevention and control of epidemics worldwide, as well as to give dimension to natural or man-made events and disasters that can significantly aggravate the risk of epidemics, coupled with the global health system crisis and providing basic services, especially in countries with vulnerable economies. In this sense, it is important to strengthen prevention by applying the experience gained on how to manage them and to prevent disruption of basic services, to increase the degree of preparedness to respond as soon as possible and in the most appropriate way to epidemics that may arise, also recognizing the value of an integrated health approach that promotes cooperation between human health , animal health and plant health, as well as the environmental sector and other relevant sectors. International cooperation and multilateralism are also crucial to this. We must highlight the relevance of collaboration and solidarity between each person, the community and the State, and regional and international organizations, at all stages of epidemic management, as well as the importance of incorporating a gender perspective in this regard.” The pandemic caught us off guard, but it has also served as a call for attention to improve our preparedness,” Vietnam’s ambassador to the UN, Dang Dinh Quy, said in introducing the resolution. “We believe that International Epidemic Preparedness Day will be a remarkable way to achieve this goal.”
