Health cooperation gets fresh push as Asean, China face new threats

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 — Asean and China are intensifying their decade-long health collaboration as the region grapples with emerging public health challenges, climate change, demographic changes, and rapid technological advancements. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad highlighted that the partnership is entering a crucial phase, with both entities striving for robust, inclusive, and sustainable health systems capable of addressing current and future health issues.

"We convene at a critical juncture as we navigate an ever-evolving health environment, driven by novel public health threats, climate change, demographic shifts, and accelerated technological progress," he stated during his opening remarks at the 10th Asean-China Health Ministers’ Meeting. Co-chaired with China’s Vice-Minister of National Health Commission Dr Liu Jinfeng, the meeting, themed 'Healthy Asean: Together Towards Equitable, Future Ready Health Systems', aims to contribute to the implementation of the Asean Strategic Health Agenda (ASHA) 2026-2030.

Dr Dzulkefly emphasized that the decisions and perspectives exchanged could bolster the health and resilience of over two billion people across Asean and China. "Let us capitalize on this opportunity to forge a decade of partnership and approach the future with renewed dedication to strengthening our cooperation for years to come," he concluded.

The gathering also seeks to outline strategic steps for advancing the Asean-China Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on health cooperation, consolidate collective commitments in a Joint Statement, and ensure the partnership yields concrete benefits to the population.