Advancing ASEAN Public Health Through Effective Regional Disease Management, Partnerships
Southeast Asia continues to face pressing health challenges, with diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria remaining prevalent in several nations. In response, regional governments and organizations are intensifying efforts to strengthen disease control and prevention measures. Notably, partnerships with countries like China are fostering greater collaboration in healthcare, focusing on resource-sharing, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives to improve public health outcomes across ASEAN.
Accelerating the fight vs TB and malaria
Efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) and malaria in the WHO South-East Asia Region are showing progress but demand sustained action and cooperation. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, over 3.8 million people in the region began TB treatment in 2023, a record high. However, the region still accounts for 45% of the global TB burden, with over 5 million cases and 583,000 deaths reported last year. Funding gaps and low coverage of preventive treatments, particularly for high-risk groups, highlight the need for urgent, multi-sectoral efforts to address the disease’s socio-economic impact.
Similarly, the World Malaria Report 2024 reveals an 82% drop in malaria cases in the region since 2000, with deaths reduced by nearly 83%. While countries like Timor-Leste and Bhutan reported zero indigenous cases, others, including Thailand and Myanmar, saw increases. The region remains on track to meet WHO’s malaria reduction targets by 2030 but faces risks from climate change and other factors.
WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed stressed out the importance of political commitment, equitable access to healthcare, and community-centered approaches. Initiatives such as the Gandhinagar Declaration and the UN high-level meeting on TB reflect growing momentum. Sustained collaboration and innovation are essential to building on these achievements and ensuring a healthier future for all.
China launches cross-border platform to boost healthcare collaboration
Meanwhile, China recently launched its first cross-border pharmaceutical centralized procurement platform in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, to enhance access to quality medicines and strengthen healthcare ties with Southeast Asia.
Guided by China’s National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), the platform oversees bulk purchasing, account settlement, and distribution of medicines and medical supplies. Deputy Director Shi Zihai highlighted China’s success in centralized procurement, covering 435 medicines, including treatments for chronic diseases and cancer.
The initiative seeks to deepen collaboration with ASEAN nations under the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting healthcare innovation and improving regional well-being. It also supports the International Medical Opening-up Pilot Zone in Fangchenggang, which focuses on medical innovation and cooperation with ASEAN and Shanghai Cooperation Organization members.
Leveraging its proximity to ASEAN, Guangxi aims to make the platform a hub for technology sharing, trade facilitation, and talent development. The platform will simplify the entry of Chinese medicines into ASEAN markets and explore new methods for overseas drug purchases, benefiting Guangxi residents, insured individuals, and cross-border patients from ASEAN countries.
Representatives from ASEAN nations, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, joined Chinese experts for a seminar to discuss pharmaceutical procurement and future collaboration opportunities.
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