coronavirus
Team Europe: EU announces €20 million to support health systems in ASEAN
The European Commission has announced a new €20 million programme to support the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), as part of Team Europe's global response to COVID-19. The South-East Asia Pandemic Response and Preparedness programme will enhance regional coordination in responding to the coronavirus pandemic and strengthen the capacity of health systems in the region. The programme, with a duration of 42 months and implemented by the World Health Organisation, will also pay special attention to vulnerable populations and support timely communication about the COVID-19, its symptoms and risks, especially in rural and remote areas.
International Partnerships Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen announced the programme at the 23rd EU-ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting: “The South-East Asia Pandemic Response and Preparedness programme is part of the European Union's €350 million solidarity response to support our ASEAN partners in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Strong regional coordination on access to information, equipment and vaccines are essential for overcoming this crisis. We are in this together and, as partners, stronger together.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the EU and its member states have mobilized a total €800 million for the south-east Asian region through Team Europe response. More information is available in the press release. For more details, consult this factsheet on the Team Europe support to ASEAN and the dedicated website on the ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Sustainable Development.
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