Epidemic prevention and related collaboration must be incorporated into the new southbound policy, Premier Lin Chuan said at today's Cabinet meeting.
Noting that Taiwan has collaborated with Southeast Asian nations on epidemic prevention, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) stated that it and other ministries will build on this foundation to facilitate the new southbound policy's implementation.
In light of climate change and Taiwan's frequent interaction with other countries, it is very important that the nation thoroughly implement epidemic-prevention measures, the premier emphasized. Epidemic prevention does not stop at the nation's borders, particularly given that Taiwan is an open economy, he pointed out. Hence the administration will strive to strengthen international cooperation in epidemic prevention while also promoting Taiwan's relevant achievements internationally.
Lin made these remarks after the MOHW's update on the nation's prevention of major infectious diseases. So far this year Taiwan has not been severely affected by such infectious diseases as enterovirus, dengue fever and Zika virus, the ministry reported. It expressed gratitude for the nationwide collaboration between frontline epidemic-prevention personnel, local governments and related ministries and agencies. However, the ministry emphasized that epidemics are unpredictable and that prevention units will remain vigilant.