General : Malaysia To Chair 17th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting, Sept 7 - 11

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 — According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia will preside over the 17th Asean Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) starting September 7 at the JW Marriott Hotel in the country's capital. The five-day conference, which concludes on the 11th, aims to foster a healthcare system that is more equitable, resilient, and prepared for future challenges.

The ministry's announcement through a Facebook post emphasizes the upcoming meeting's objective of creating a healthier Asean for future generations. The MOH, which is organizing the conference, highlights its significant role in regional health diplomacy by coordinating policy directions, driving digital health innovations, and ensuring preparedness for health crises at the Asean level.

To achieve these goals, the ministry plans to facilitate extensive information-sharing and promotional activities to communicate the local public and show Malaysia's dedication to the regional health agenda. As the meeting occurs biennially, it serves as the primary platform for Asean Health Ministers to deliberate on regional health matters and strengthen cooperation among member states.

The 17th AHMM, themed "Healthy Asean: Together Towards Equitable, Future-Ready Health Systems," features six side events addressing critical health issues such as lung health, rare diseases, eye care, behavioral science, medical devices, and pharmaceutical research.