BANGKOK: Thailand's Cabinet has approved the draft agreement on the establishment of the Asean Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), with Thailand set to host its secretariat and Centre for Response and Risk Communication.
Deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengchan said the Cabinet had also authorised the Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat to sign the agreement during the 49th Asean Summit, scheduled to be held in the Philippines from Nov 15 to 17.
She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been tasked with preparing the necessary Full Powers document authorising the minister to sign the agreement, as well as the instrument of ratification, for submission to the Asean Secretariat.
"Under the proposed arrangement, ACPHEED will comprise three specialised centres across the region.
"Vietnam will host the Centre for Prevention and Preparedness, Indonesia the Centre for Detection and Risk Assessment, while Thailand will host the Centre for Response and Risk Communication, as well as the secretariat," she told reporters after Cabinet meeting at Government House on Tuesday (Nov 10)
Ploythalay said ACPHEED would serve as a regional centre of excellence and resource hub to strengthen Asean's capacity in prevention, preparedness, early detection and coordinated responses to public health emergencies, emerging diseases and epidemics.
"Its functions will also include information exchange and analysis, capacity building, coordination and support for innovation, as well as research and development," she said.
She added that the establishment of ACPHEED would strengthen regional cooperation and preparedness in responding to disease outbreaks, while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Thailand's public health system.
Ploythalay explained that it would also help reduce financial burdens and economic losses associated with public health emergencies, while strengthening Thailand's role in public health at regional and global levels. - Bernama
