SAARC Virtual Conference on Coronavirus

News:The Prime Minister addressed all SAARC member countries via video conference to chalk out a common strategy to fight the Coronavirus in the region.

Facts:

Key takeaways from the address:

• Prime minister has proposed the creation of a COVID 19 emergency fund based on voluntary contributions from SAARC nations.
• India is assembling a Rapid Response Team of doctors and specialists along with testing kits and other equipment.They will be on stand-by to be placed at SAARC nation’s disposal,if required.
• India has also set up an Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal to better trace possible virus carriers and the people they contacted.This Disease Surveillance software could be shared with SAARC partners.

About SAARC:

• The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka in 1985.
• Members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• Observers: Australia, China, the European Union, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea and the United States.
• Secretariat: Kathmandu,Nepal.