Cambodia Advocates for Integrated ASEAN Health Security Network

Cambodia has pushed for the establishment of a more integrated ASEAN health security network to strengthen the region’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to public health emergencies, officials said. Speaking at a side meeting on emergency preparedness during the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Health Minister Prof. Chheang Ra urged ASEAN to move from delayed decision-making to faster action, from fragmented efforts to greater coordination, and from reacting to crises to anticipating and preparing for them. He stated that the ultimate goal should be an “integrated ASEAN Health Security Network” fully connected with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the broader global health security architecture. Discussions focused on accelerating the operationalization of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), including finalizing its Establishment Agreement. Cambodia outlined three priorities: clear functions for ACPHEED in surveillance, early warning, and capacity building; trusted governance combining political leadership with scientific expertise while respecting national sovereignty; and stronger links with ASEAN disaster management frameworks under the principles of One ASEAN, One Response and One Health. Cambodia also held bilateral talks with Laos and Indonesia. With Lao Health Minister Baykham Khatthiya, both sides reviewed progress toward a bilateral health cooperation memorandum after technical teams finalized a draft in July. Discussions with Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin focused on implementing their 2024 MoU covering healthcare services, emergency preparedness, pharmaceutical security, human resources, and health technology, including digital health and biotechnology. Cambodia requested Indonesia’s support in developing health professionals through scholarships, clinical attachments, and exchanges.