EU-WHO Southeast Asia Health Pandemic Response and Preparedness Programme in Thailand

© WHO/Ploy Phutpheng - 2020
In biosafety level II laboratory setting, a medical scientist is working on RT-PCR method for the testing of the novel coronavirus at Department of Medical Sciences.

Overview

Since 2020, the European Union has been committed to the people of Thailand in their ongoing battle against COVID-19. Together with the Department of Disease Control in the Ministry of Public Health, the National Vaccine Institute, the World Vision Foundation of Thailand and WHO Thailand, the EU will continue throughout 2021 and beyond to support important initiatives to strengthen national capacity to control COVID-19. Through the EU’s “Southeast Asia health pandemic response and preparedness” grant, several key projects are underway.

To strengthen screening and management of possible COVID-19 cases at points of entry, with the support of the Department of Disease Control, arrangements for emergency care are being established. The Department of Disease Control is also working hard to set up new vaccination centres.

Migrant communities will not be left behind in this mission. Campaigns to raise awareness on COVID-19 risk and prevention will continue to be pivotal in helping to reduce transmission. Support will also be provided for active case finding and contact tracing in migrant communities, helping to detect outbreaks as early as possible and stem the spread of the virus.

World Vision has partnered with local authorities to strengthen outreach in migrant communities to ensure that those who must quarantine at home are supported with essential supplies. In addition, a COVID-19 hotline in 4 migrant languages is being supported to provide health advice. The Mor Prom mobile application will also be used to set up to a database on migrant workers to support vaccination rollout.

The National Vaccine Institute will benefit from expert technical advice on vaccine development, including strengthening regulatory policies and processes. Support provided by NVI to local manufacturers will also help with Thailand’s long-term goal to establish national capacities to develop and produce its own vaccines – not just against COVID-19, but also to other emerging pathogens with pandemic potential.

For now, ending this pandemic is our collective goal. Human solidarity – everyone working together - has never been more important. An end to this pandemic will come, as long as we remain - Unite(d) against COVID-19.