ASEAN launches five-year strategic health agenda

ASEAN health ministers concluded the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting (AHMM) in Kuala Lumpur with the official launch of the ASEAN Strategic Health Agenda (ASHA) 2026-2030. The five-year agenda focuses on four primary pillars: promoting healthy lifestyles, responding to health emergencies and emerging threats, strengthening health systems and access to care, and ensuring food safety.

Under the new framework, member states will lead various projects based on their individual capacities, with most initiatives expected to be completed by 2030. Malaysia is currently leading the ASEAN Emergency Operations Centre, providing expertise and consultations on infectious diseases to other member nations.

While the agenda establishes a roadmap for regional health security, the Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), designed to coordinate regional responses to outbreaks, is not yet operational. Member states are currently working toward finalizing the agreement to establish the center.