KUALA LUMPUR: High-level meetings between Asean’s health ministers and their counterparts from the United States, Japan and China put the region at the heart of global health security, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
"The 17th Asean Health Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings (AHMM 17) here also marks a major diplomatic milestone with the hosting of the inaugural Asean-US and Asean-Japan Health Ministers' Meeting alongside high-level consultation with China, Republic of Korea, and World Health Organization," the Health Minister said on Thursday (Sept 10).
This historic platform solidifies Asean's centrality and positions the region at the heart of global health security, he noted.
He said Asean members have also agreed in principle to support a phased single submission model for pre-market approval for medical devices.
In addition, Malaysia will act as the coordinating entry point for technical dosage, he said.
"We received very good input (from members) and also on their best practices," he said during the press conference on AHMM 17, which Malaysia is chairing.
"The Philippines in particular suggested that we should have one that is connected and interoperable," he added.
Dzulkelfy noted that the 11 Asean member states are at different levels of implementation and development, with some still working on their regulations and legal framework.
"Some are very advanced, like Singapore and the Philippines.
"So what is important, as I always say, is never leave the weakest behind.
"So we have to move with the weakest of us always (by our side), so that we leave no one behind," he said.
Medical devices were among the core matters discussed along with lung health sinitiative and rare diseases.
The Asean Strategic Health Agenda (2026-2030) was also launched at the event.
The five-year roadmap covers four core Asean clusters namely: promoting healthy lifestyle and non-communicable disease prevention; responding to all hazards and emerging public health threats; strengthening health systems and access to care; and ensuring regional food safety.
