Ok, we can stop panicking now!
Malaysians have been very vocal on social media recently after finding out that four Chinese nationals who tested positive for the coronavirus had entered Malaysia via Johor Bahru.
Photo: Malay Mail
This marked the country’s first cases of the potentially deadly disease, but we don’t have to worry, the government has this under control!
Did you know that Malaysia is ranked 18th out of 195 countries in the Global Health Security (GHS) Index, when it comes to capability in handling virus outbreaks?
According to Malay Mail, the GHS Index is an internationally recognised assessment of a country’s capability in handling any outbreak – which includes the Wuhan Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Thailand and South Korea are two of the most prepared countries in Asia to respond to infectious diseases, followed by Malaysia in the third spot on the list. Meanwhile, Japan is at the 21st place and Singapore is in the 24th spot.
The GHS index takes into account a country’s general health system, compliance with international norms and risk management.
According to BERNAMA, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that Malaysia has always been on high alert for major infectious disease outbreaks.
Health authorities have learned from their experiences from managing past outbreaks like the Zika and Nipah viruses, as well as Polio.
He added that his ministry wants Malaysia to be better and in the top 10 rankings, as Malaysia has the best experience and history in facing virus outbreaks.
The Ministry of Health will be stationing 12 more thermal scanners at the country’s entry points as soon as possible, in addition to the 54 thermals scanners that are already in place.
Phew, what a relief!
By: Aishah Akashah
