SAPM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza has suggested that a "regional mechanism" should be developed so that Saarc member states can coordinate and share information on communicable diseases and minimise the spreading of the same. He was addressing representatives of Saarc countries at a video conference to discuss steps the regional bloc can take to prevent coronavirus from spreading in the region.

He noted that while the novel coronavirus has been declared a pandemic, "it has been deemed controllable as well". He also called for "effective coordination at all levels" in the present situation, adding that "the challenge at hand, demands sagacity, vision and synergy."

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