KUALA LUMPUR: China and Asean must work together towards advancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable health systems for a shared future, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
“Our gathering today comes at a defining moment as we face a rapidly evolving health landscape shaped by emerging public health threats, climate change, demographic shift and accelerating technological transformation,” the Health Minister said during his opening remarks at the 10th Asean-China Health Ministers Meeting here on Friday(Sept 11).
He said these challenges are a reminder that resilient health systems are no longer simply a national priority, but a shared regional imperative.
“As we commemorate this important milestone, we also recognise that our partnership is entering a new and increasingly consequential chapter,” he said during the meeting chaired by Malaysia.
Under the theme Healthy Asean, Together Towards Equitable Future-Ready Health Systems, our discussion today is centred on advancing resilient, inclusive and sustainable health systems for a shared Asean-China future.”
Our task is therefore not only to respond to today's challenges but to anticipate what lies ahead. We must also ensure that our health systems remain inclusive, adaptable and sustainable, leaving no one behind,” he added.
China was represented by Dr Liu Jinfeng, Vice-Minister of China's National Health Commission.
Dzulkefly said the decisions and discussions made would potentially strengthen the health and resilience of more than two billion people across Asean and China.
“Let us seize this opportunity to build a decade of partnership and look ahead with renewed resolve to deepen our cooperation for the decades to come,” he added.
The meeting is part of the 17th Asean Health Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings (AHMM 17).
