16th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) Theme: Transforming ASEAN Health Development in a New Context

Strengthening Post Pandemic Health System Capacity to Enhance Regional Resilience

- Excellencies

- ASEAN Deputy Secretary General & members of the ASEAN Secretariat

- Regional Director of the WHO Western Pacific Region Dr. Saia

- Partners, Colleagues and Friends

At the 74^th Regional Committee meeting of the WHO South-East Region, the Ministers of Health in our Region shared lessons from COVID-19 and discussed measures to be taken to 'build back better' and 'fairer'.

They identified "a once-in-a-century opportunity to advance transformation towards resilient PHC-oriented health systems."

Since then, our Member States have shown admirable political commitment to build Post Pandemic Health System Capacity that strengthens both national and regional resilience. They have expressed their commitment through the highest levels of government, at multiple forums.

I am pleased and proud that our Member States have not stopped there. They have followed up with concrete actions.

Indonesia undertook major health system transformation, adoption of the Health Omnibus Law, and the launch of National PHC Integration. This integration transforms the health system to deliver on population health needs and ensures focus on surveillance and environmental monitoring. Indonesia also mobilized and trained health reserve personnel to enhance surge capacity.

Thailand built on pandemic learnings, has introduced a new normal model of primary health care, with three key elements:

• Telemedicine
• Engagement of private health units, and
• Strengthened Community Engagement through Village Health Volunteers.
  

Timor-Leste is revitalizing its Family Health Programme to focus on Integrated Health Services, with strengthened health workforce and funding. They are providing 40% of the health budget to primary health care, and surveillance systems have been integrated at primary level, along with the strengthening of associated health workforce competencies.

Our challenges are substantial, but so too are our opportunities. We have much to learn from one another, and many occasions to cooperate.

I applaud ASEAN's commitment to build national and regional resilience. Your response to the pandemic is testament to the strength of regional cooperation.

ASEAN's Comprehensive Recovery Framework, and Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases, are both vital steps to strengthen regional resilience-related capacities.

WHO SEARO shares your vision for strengthening national and regional resilience. During the 2024 World Health Assembly, we launched our Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience. This Roadmap is a shared framework, with health system resilience as a goal. It prioritises strengthened coordination and collaboration, across technical programmes, countries, and partners - with Government in the lead. It explicitly prioritizes strengthening our collaboration and coordination with ASEAN and other intergovernmental structures.

In Indonesia, Thailand and Timor-Leste, we have three WHO SEAR Member States who are also ASEAN Members or Observers. The advances they have made, and their successes, bind SEARO and ASEAN together in a shared pride. I am pleased that their journeys are a part of our journey together.

Thank you.

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