Asean steps up push for diagnostic security, self-reliance

Asean health ministers have identified diagnostic security as one of 12 priority areas for cooperation in the bloc's new five-year regional health plan, the Asean strategic health agenda 2026-2030. The joint statement highlights that the region is stepping up efforts to become self-reliant in diagnostics security, encompassing manufacturing, regulation, and distribution of essential medical diagnostic tests. Other priority areas for collaboration include vaccines and therapeutics, as well as ensuring access to them.

To achieve these goals, Asean will work with China in strengthening the adoption of new technologies to enhance diagnostic capabilities and treatment of infectious diseases. Japan will support Asean's efforts in bolstering national and regional capacities for disease prevention, preparedness, early detection, and response. South Korea is committed to continuing its cooperation with Asean in strengthening laboratory and diagnostic capacities, along with technical support in laboratory quality management systems, genomic surveillance, antimicrobial resistance mitigation, and biosafety and biosecurity.

The United States will also collaborate with Asean to strengthen laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities across the region, including technical support in various areas. The push for greater self-reliance among Asean members aims to address current health security challenges and ensure a more robust regional health system by 2030.