KUALA LUMPUR: High-level meetings between Asean’s health ministers with their counterparts from the United States, Japan and China place the region in 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, the Republic of Korea, and the World Health Organisation,” said the Health Minister.
Hailing this historic platform as one that solidifies Asean’s centrality and positions the region at the heart of global health security, Dzulkefly said he is also looking forward to engagements with key dialogue partners such as China and Japan.
He said Asean members have also agreed in principle to support a phased single submission model for pre-market approval for medical devices, with Malaysia to act as the coordinating entry point for technical dosage.
“We received very good input (from members) as well as their best practices,” he said during the press conference at the AHMM 17, which Malaysia is chairing here this week.
“The Philippines particularly suggested that we should have one that is connected and interoperable,” he added.
Dzulkelfy noted that the 11 member states are at different levels of implementation and development, whereby some are still working on their regulations and legal framework.
“Some are very advanced, like Singapore and the Philippines. So what is important, as I always said, is to never leave the weakest behind,” he said.
Medical devices were among the core matters discussed, along with lung health initiatives and rare diseases.
The Asean Strategic Health Agenda (2026-2030) was also launched.
The five-year roadmap covers four core Asean clusters, namely promoting healthy lifestyles 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.
