Malaysia Drives ASEAN Health Diplomacy Towards Concrete Action For Public Benefit
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, through the Ministry of Health (MOH), is driving a new phase of ASEAN health diplomacy by translating policies and cooperation frameworks into concrete actions that deliver tangible benefits to the people.
According to a statement by the MOH, the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings (AHMM 17), held in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 7 to 11, provides a platform to strengthen regional cooperation towards building a more equitable and resilient health system.
“This participation marks a new phase in the country’s health diplomacy, moving beyond policy formulation towards concrete action that delivers tangible results,” the ministry said.
The five-day conference officially opened with the Senior Health Officials Meeting (SOM), while the ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting will begin tomorrow.
The 17th AHMM, themed “Healthy ASEAN: Together Towards Equitable, Future-Ready Health Systems”, also marks Malaysia’s return as host after 22 years, with the meeting last held in the country in 2004.
According to the MOH, key strategic agendas of the meetings include the launch of the ASEAN Strategic Health Agenda (ASHA) 2026-2030 as the main roadmap for regional health, alongside efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness through the operation of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).
“Over the five-day event, discussions will focus on building an equitable and resilient regional health system with International Dialogue Partners and the World Health Organization (WHO),” it said.
The conference also focused on formulating an integrated strategy to address the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s role was further highlighted through several side events on rare diseases, the Eye Health Initiative (MySPECS), Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), lung health, Behavioural Insights and regional medical device regulation.
The meeting also saw the inaugural ASEAN-US and ASEAN-Japan Health Ministerial Meetings, alongside ministerial-level meetings with China, the Republic of Korea and the WHO to expand technical cooperation and regional health investments.
“All initiatives and policy frameworks discussed reflect Malaysia’s strong commitment to the Malaysia MADANI framework and the consensus among ASEAN member states to ensure that public health services remain inclusive and sustainable,” the MOH said.
The conference’s resolutions are expected to pave the way for concrete actions that will have a direct impact on the well-being of more than 670 million people in the ASEAN region.
--BERNAMA
