KATHMANDU, March 16: In the first-ever video conference between the leaders of eight SAARC countries on Sunday afternoon, they have agreed to initiate joint efforts to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus by setting up a regional mechanism. 

The heads of eight SAARC countries -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- have underscored the need for initiating joint efforts to combat the deadly coronavirus and saving their citizens. 

While most member states reported a shortage of specialized workforce, equipment and fund to tackle the new pandemic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed to establish a COVID-19 Emergency Fund. The Indian premier announced to allocate US$10 million on behalf of the Indian government to start the fund. 

Other member states of the regional organizations have been requested to voluntarily contribute to the fund and bolster the fight against the virus in a collective manner.  Other member states of the regional grouping including Nepal endorsed the proposal floated by India and pledged to  make financial contributions to the fund.

Addressing the virtual conference, Modi has proposed training medical response teams of SAARC countries and mobilizing them to virus-affected countries. “Our neighborhood collaboration should be a model for the world. We have to fight this battle together, and we have to win it together,” said Modi addressing the conference.

Except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, all heads of government of the eight-member grouping addressed the conference. Zafar Mizra, a special assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister Khan, had addressed the conference representing Pakistan. 

 Like all leaders of the South Asia region, Mizra stressed the need for building a regional mechanism so that the countries can exchange “disease surveillance data in real time.” 

Prime Minister KP Oli had shared the efforts made by Nepal government to combat the coronavirus in Nepal. Prime Minister Oli said his government is on alert to protect the people from the virus. 
“Even though we had detected one suspected case, the COVID-19 test proved negative,” said Oli adding, “Yet, we are aware of the high risk of possible outbreak at any time. We remain [on] alert to prevent it.” 

 Stating that Nepal has taken several measures to enhance preparedness, Oli said his government is doing its best to prevent the virus from entering the country. 

“Our national efforts, I am personally overseeing and guiding the government efforts. Multi-agency coordination committees have been set up at the center, provinces and local levels to mobilize government efforts in the synergetic manner. We have restricted international movements. Visa on-arrival facility for all foreigners and non-resident Nepalis with foreign passports have been suspended.”  

Also, Nepal has made swab test and PRC health certificates mandatory for obtaining visa from Nepali embassies for essential travel to Nepal. 

Worried over a possible outbreak of the coronavirus, Nepal has suspended issuance of work permits for Nepali nationals’ overseas employment; international passengers have been requested to go into self-quarantine. Likewise, all permits for mountaineering expeditions for spring 2020 have been suspended and all international conferences have been postponed.

 
• coronavirus
 
• SAARC_leaders
 
• mechanism
 
• joint_efforts.