SPEECH BY MR ONG YE KUNG, MINISTER FOR HEALTH AT 16TH ASEAN HEALTH MINISTERS’ MEETING, 8 AUGUST 2024

Strengthening post pandemic health system capacity to enhance regional resilience

8TH AUG 2024

Speech by Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health at the 16th ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting, 8 August 2024

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished guests,

It is both an honor and a privilege to address you at the 16th ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting. Today, we come together at a crucial juncture in our collective journey towards strengthening health systems across the ASEAN region. As we reflect on our shared experiences and achievements, we must also confront the pressing challenges that lie ahead. Our meeting today symbolizes not just our commitment to regional health cooperation but also our resolve to build a more resilient and equitable health future for all.

Reflecting on Recent Achievements

Over the past year, ASEAN member states have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation in addressing health challenges. From managing the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to tackling emerging health threats, our collective efforts have been commendable. The regional collaboration that we have witnessed in the past year—sharing information, resources, and best practices—has been instrumental in navigating these complex challenges.

The progress we have made in rolling out vaccination campaigns, strengthening surveillance systems, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure has laid a strong foundation for our continued success. Our shared commitment to advancing health equity and improving access to quality healthcare services has never been more evident. However, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the ongoing and emerging health issues facing our region.

Addressing Ongoing and Emerging Health Challenges

As we look to the future, several key challenges demand our attention:

Strengthening Health System Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for robust health systems that can withstand and quickly respond to crises. Strengthening our health infrastructure, improving emergency preparedness, and ensuring a well-trained healthcare workforce are critical components of building resilience. We must continue to invest in these areas to ensure that our health systems are equipped to handle future health emergencies effectively.

Combatting Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, continue to pose a significant burden on our populations. Addressing the rising prevalence of NCDs requires a multi-faceted approach, including promoting healthy lifestyles, enhancing early detection and treatment, and strengthening healthcare services to manage chronic conditions.

Addressing Health Inequities: The pandemic has highlighted disparities in health outcomes within and between countries. Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location, have access to quality healthcare is fundamental to achieving health equity. We must work together to identify and address these disparities and promote inclusive health policies and practices.

Preparing for Emerging Infectious Diseases: The emergence of new infectious diseases remains a significant threat to public health. Strengthening regional surveillance systems, enhancing laboratory capacities, and fostering collaboration on research and development are essential to our preparedness for future outbreaks. Our collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively will be crucial in mitigating the impact of emerging health threats.

Advancing Regional Cooperation

The success of our collective efforts depends on the strength of our regional cooperation. ASEAN’s commitment to fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge has been instrumental in addressing health challenges. As we move forward, let us continue to build on this spirit of cooperation by:

Enhancing Data Sharing: Effective data sharing is essential for informed decision-making and coordinated responses. Strengthening regional mechanisms for data exchange and analysis will improve our ability to monitor health trends, identify emerging threats, and implement targeted interventions.

Promoting Capacity Building: Investing in capacity building at both the national and regional levels will enhance our collective ability to address health challenges. This includes training healthcare professionals, strengthening health infrastructure, and supporting research and innovation in health.

Fostering Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Health challenges are often interconnected with other sectors, including environment, agriculture, and education. By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, we can develop more comprehensive and effective strategies to address the root causes of health issues and promote overall well-being.

Engaging Communities: Engaging communities in health promotion and disease prevention efforts is crucial for achieving lasting impact. By empowering individuals and communities to take an active role in their health, we can enhance the effectiveness of our health initiatives and promote healthier lifestyles.

Conclusion

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for your unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes in our region. The challenges we face are significant, but our shared commitment and collaborative efforts provide a strong foundation for overcoming them. As we continue to work together, let us remain focused on our common goals and strive to build a healthier, more resilient ASEAN.

Thank you for your continued commitment to regional health cooperation. I look forward to our discussions and the actionable outcomes that will emerge from this meeting. Together, we can shape a brighter and healthier future for all the people of ASEAN.

Thank you.