The Defense Ministry has been sharing Self-Defense Forces' expertise in preventing infectious diseases with counterparts in other countries.
The ministry initiated the measure to make the most of the SDF's experience, such as when it responded to the outbreak of the new coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. The SDF had a total of 2,700 members dealing with the vessel, but did not incur a single infection.
On April 17, Defense Minister Taro Kono spoke by telephone with his counterpart Florence Parly. In addition to introducing measures taken to prevent infection on the cruise ship, he also explained those taken to prevent droplet infection at the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital.
France is currently dealing with the problem of mass infection on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Parly expressed his appreciation for the sharing of the findings.
The ministry has provided defense authorities in 83 countries with resource materials detailing preventive measures via defense attaches dispatched to those countries. The documents include the proper method of thorough hand disinfection with illustrations, and explains in detail how to remove masks and protective clothing without touching the outer surfaces.
"We would like to share our knowledge and experience with various countries, and try to helpful in any way possible," Kono told a news conference on Tuesday.
According to the ministry, Japan has been provided with information from other countries and thus has also benefited from the interactions.
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