Cambodia to Enhance ASEAN-US Health Partnership for Global Leadership

His Excellency Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, stated at the first ASEAN-United States Health Ministerial Meeting on September 11, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, that the ASEAN-United States partnership will help ASEAN demonstrate leadership in global health security and strengthen collective capacity. This shift from a reactive to a proactive approach will enable prediction, preparation, defense, and prevention of the impacts of future pandemics. The Minister welcomed the vibrancy of the ASEAN-United States partnership, particularly in the health sector, which has led to many significant projects and initiatives. He expressed confidence that the ASEAN-United States Health Ministerial Meeting will elevate cooperation to a higher level. In contributing to the development of a work plan to strengthen multilateral approaches to sustainable health systems and health security, Cambodia put forward key priorities: 1. Continued support for the operationalization of the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). 2. Strengthening the link between ACPHEED and the ASEAN Public Health Emergency Cooperation System (APHECS), ensuring coherence and integration among various mechanisms in line with the ASEAN Strategic Framework on Emergency Public Health. 3. Supporting the implementation of the 'One Health' approach, particularly through the ASEAN One Health network, which receives support from the United States, and within the framework of ASEAN's joint One Health action plan. 4. Capacity building through training programs, scholarships, and additional mentorship, especially in epidemiology, and strengthening laboratory capacity for rapid diagnosis and timely detection of infectious diseases. The meeting was held under the theme "Centering ASEAN, Multiplying Impact: A Multilateral Blueprint for Sustainable Health Systems and Health Security."