As the population-dense region of South-East Asia begins to slowly ease lockdowns, authorities continue to focus on initiatives that have historically helped them to reduce the impact of natural disasters. The four I's guide sets out the following actions: identify risks, invest in people and systems for risk management, implement plans and inter-link sectors and networks.
Last week WHO recommended the region carefully assess local epidemiology to guide future actions to combat the virus. This means identifying hot-spots and clusters; finding, isolating and caring for cases; and quarantining contacts. Early and aggressive measures taken by the region’s member countries have helped keep the number of cases low as compared to other parts of the world, but cases are still rising.
South-East Asia remains one of the most vulnerable regions in the world during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its mega-urban slums, migrant groups, and socio-economic drivers impacting compliance to physical and social distancing.
Read more on how South-East Asia successfully navigates COVID-19
More about WHO’s response to COVID-19