Need of Regional Cooperation for Response and Recovery of COVID-19 in SAARC Countries

Abstract

This study is based on need of regional cooperation for response and recovery of COVID-19 pandemic. For the analysis purpose, both primary and secondary data have been applied. Primary data is collected from the open-ended interview from which main theme and associated theme of regional integration to combat global pandemic have been identified and discussed. SAARC countries’ mutual response and recovery planning act as regional platform for cross country discussion and concentration. Sharing of experiences and resources may help to win over global pandemic through collaboration. It helps to bring human life of SAARC region to normality. Similar cross border and cross sectoral vulnerabilities can be controlled and out of control situation is tracked easily. One South Asia to check COVID-19 concept can bring regional cooperation, and engagement which will produce significant gains across South Asia. So, ranges of opportunities are there. Also, for mutual assistance to combat notorious virus, it is necessary to revise by identifying the possible mechanisms for regional cooperation so that all members can benefit through shared knowledge and mechanism. Even after the many years of establishment of SAARC, disaster mitigation plan for serious health issues has not been well established in this difficult and emergency period. This situation of cooperation will establish firmament for health care support and cooperation system in regional level. The mutual support for needy area of the SAARC region can be shared and comparative advantage for all. It would be easier to be a part of global arrangement to control and counter heinous Covid-19 crisis with multiple mutations. If this was the reason, then critical problems and humanitarian support could have been easier, and life of thousands of people can be saved in this pandemic period. Least developed countries like Nepal of this region urgently need regional and global support to counter the health crisis through medical support.