New Zealand, Vietnam among best countries managing COVID-19; Malaysia ranks 16th

KUALA LUMPUR:New Zealand, Vietnam and Taiwan are listed as the best countries in managing the COVID-19 pandemic by grabbing the top three places in the COVID Performance Index ranking by the Lowy Institute.

Malaysia ranks 16th with an average score of 71 per cent, three places lower than neighbouring Singapore in 13th place with an average score of 74.9 per cent.

Other countries in the top ten places include Thailand, Cyprus, Rwanda, Iceland, Australia, Latvia and Sri Lanka.

Among the lowest countries in the pandemic management include Indonesia (85th), United States (94th) and Brazil (98th).

A total of 98 countries were evaluated over 36 weeks by the think tank organisation until 9 January 2021 based on six indicators.

Among the indicators taken into account were positive cases, death cases, and total screening tests per 1,000 people.

The index showed countries in the Asia-Pacific region were most successful in curbing the spread of the epidemic while Europe and the United States were burdened with a sharp increase in cases.

Several structural factors were found to be closely related to the success of a country in dealing with the epidemic but there is no theory that can summarize the differences in countries' approach to the crisis.

"For example, small countries (with a population of less than 10 million people) have proven to be more flexible than the majority of large countries in dealing with the health crisis in 2020," the report said.

The level of economic development or differences in the political system has less impact on the outcome of health crisis management.

"In general, countries with smaller populations, united communities, and capable institutions have an advantage in dealing with global crises such as pandemics."

"However, the types of policies implemented and the current political situation also contribute to a country's approach to this pandemic," the report added.

The following is the ranking of countries in managing the COVID-19 pandemic:

New Zealand Vietnam Taiwan Thailand Cyprus Rwanda Iceland Australia Latvia Sri Lanka Estonia Uruguay Singapura Malta Togo Malaysia Finland Norway Lithuania Korea Selatan Tunisia Slovakia Denmark Myanmar Maldives Mozambique Malawi Trinidad dan Tobago Zambia Uganda