KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) — ASEAN and Japan will strengthen their health partnership through more structured and long-term cooperation, with healthy ageing and sustainable Universal Health Coverage (UHC) identified as key priorities in tackling emerging health challenges in the region.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the inaugural ASEAN-Japan Health Ministers’ Meeting marked a new chapter in cooperation between the two sides, built on by mutual trust, shared values and a common commitment to improving the health and well-being of people across the region.
He also expressed appreciation to Japan for its unwavering partnership in advancing ASEAN’s health priorities.
“Over the years, our collaboration has delivered meaningful outcomes across many areas, including health workforce development, disease prevention and control, disaster health management, and healthy ageing through the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI).
“Furthermore, through the High-Level Officials’ Meeting on Caring Societies, we have strengthened public health emergency preparedness via the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), as well as health systems and the advancement of Universal Health Coverage,” he said.
Dzulkefly said this while chairing the 1st ASEAN-Japan Health Ministers’ Meeting, convened during the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting (AHMM) and Related Meetings here today.
The meeting was co-chaired alongside Japan’s Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Ueno Kenichiro.
Highlighting the theme of the meeting, “Longevity with Dignity: Advancing Healthy Ageing and Sustainable Universal Health Coverage across ASEAN and Japan,” Dzulkefly emphasised the necessity of ensuring longer lives are lived in good health and supported by resilient, people-centred health systems.
“By combining ASEAN’s collective strengths with Japan’s longstanding expertise and innovation, we have a valuable opportunity to shape practical solutions that promote healthy ageing while advancing sustainable Universal Health Coverage for all,” he added.
Dzulkefly also expressed confidence that the discussions would build a solid foundation for healthy longevity across the region, paving the way for the adoption of a Joint Statement and a clear roadmap for strategic cooperation.
The meeting also concluded the 17th AHMM, which was held in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 7 to 11, with Malaysia serving as Chair and Myanmar as Vice-Chair.
–BERNAMA