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KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is using its chairmanship of the 17th Asean Health Ministers’ Meeting (AHMM) and Related Meetings to strengthen regional health cooperation and translate shared policies into practical action for more than 670 million people across Asean.
Hosted by the Health Ministry (MOH), here, from Sept 7 to 11, the five-day meeting marks Malaysia’s return as host after 22 years, following its previous chairmanship in 2004.
Under the theme “Healthy Asean: Together Towards Equitable, Future-Ready Health Systems”, the meeting brings together Asean member states, dialogue partners and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to address regional and global health challenges.
A key outcome of Malaysia’s chairmanship will be the launch of the Asean Strategic Health Agenda (ASHA) 2026–2030 on Sept 10, providing a five-year framework for regional health cooperation.
“ASHA 2026–2030 comprises four main health clusters covering healthy lifestyles and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), preparedness for health threats and public health crises, stronger health systems and equitable access to quality healthcare and medicines, as well as food safety.
“The agenda encompasses issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health, healthy ageing, tobacco and alcohol control, communicable diseases, pandemics, digital health, healthcare infrastructure, the health workforce and ensuring food safety.
“Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response will also receive greater attention through the Asean Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED),” the ministry said.
A special ACPHEED session will examine ways to strengthen the centre’s regional role, while the AHMM Strategic Retreat will address Asean's dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic will also be considered to ensure hospitals and clinics are resilient enough to maintain essential routine healthcare services during future crises.
“Malaysia is further advocating greater equity in healthcare by encouraging Asean countries with more advanced medical capabilities to share technical expertise, technology, early warning data and specialised training with other member states.
“The approach aims to narrow differences in health development and ensure that no Asean community or country is left behind, in line with the aspirations of the Asean Community Vision 2045.
“The meetings will also strengthen engagement with Asean's dialogue partners through the 11th Asean Plus Three Meeting, 10th Asean-China Meeting and 3rd Asean-Republic of Korea Meeting,” MOH said.
The 17th Asean Health Ministers’ Meeting (AHMM) directly benefits Malaysians and the wider Asean community by strengthening cross-border health cooperation in areas such as early warning systems, border control, food safety assurance and the quality of treatment and healthcare technology.
Real-time sharing of health data between countries can enable earlier detection and faster control of infectious diseases, particularly at national entry points.
Harmonising food safety standards across Asean can also help ensure that imported and exported food products available in the market are clean, of good quality and safe for families.
Closer cooperation with Global Dialogue Partners can further strengthen healthcare capabilities through the transfer of medical technology and expertise to local public hospitals and clinics.
This includes Japan’s expertise in elderly care, South Korea’s work in digital health, as well as cooperation with the United States (US) and China, contributing to improved treatment quality and healthcare capabilities.
For the first time, Health Ministers’ Meetings will also be held between Asean and the US and between Asean and Japan, while informal sessions with the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) will help align regional priorities with the global health agenda.
The ministerial discussions will also be complemented by thematic sessions and side events covering rare diseases, eye health through MySPECS, DNDi research, lung health, behavioural insights and medical device regulation.
Malaysia’s leadership has also resulted in the country being entrusted with the development of the ASHA 2026–2030 Work Programmes, reflecting the expertise of MOH public health specialists.
“The strengthened cooperation is expected to bring practical benefits, including earlier warnings and faster sharing of cross-border disease information to support preventive action at key entry points.
“These include Japan’s experience in elderly care, South Korea’s digital health expertise and collaboration in health in terms of resilient health systems from the US and China,” the ministry said.
Overall, Malaysia’s chairmanship seeks to turn Asean health policies and frameworks into coordinated action, strengthening regional health security while supporting inclusive and sustainable healthcare in line with the Malaysia Madani framework and Asean's commitment to equitable health outcomes.
