This is the first resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in this regard, and the first resolution proposed, successfully negotiated and promoted by Vietnam at the United Nations General Assembly.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic causing loss of life and unprecedented impacts in all countries, the Vietnamese proposal has received support from all United Nations member states.
Canada, Niger, Senegal, Saint Vincent & the Grenedines, Spain have co-authored with Vietnam; 107 other countries in all regions also joined to co-sponsor the Resolution.
The resolution calls for the annual “International Day of readiness to fight epidemics”, in order to increase awareness about disease prevention, thereby better preparation and coordination. December 27th was chosen as the “International Day for Disease Control” because it is the birthday of the scientist Louis Pasteur, one of the first to lay the foundations for preventive medicine. His work on the causes of the epidemic and on how to make vaccines has been and continues to save generations around the world.