ASEAN-UK Partnership To Tackle Emerging Regional Health Threats

PETALING JAYA, July 4 (Bernama) – The ASEAN-UK Health Security Partnership Programme (HSP) was officially launched today, marking a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening Southeast-Asia’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to health threats.

The United Kingdom’s (UK) Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, said the programme represents a shared commitment to building long-term health resilience in the region.

She also said that the partnership would draw on the UK’s expertise in health security while encouraging regional collaboration among ASEAN member states.

“This is really exciting because we can bring our UK expertise, and we’re proud of the expertise that we have in health security. We know that we have a lot to learn from you (ASEAN) as well,” she said in a press conference after the launch.

Tiffin said COVID-19 demonstrated that no country is immune to global health threats, and that the UK is proud to work hand-in-hand with ASEAN through the HSP Programme to build long-term resilience and ensure a healthier and safer future for communities across the region and globally.

She stressed that the world is currently facing numerous health threats, and ASEAN’s regional thinking and capacity to respond to these challenges are globally recognised as leading examples.

“We’re really delighted to be able to work with ASEAN on this, and to encourage a regional approach where health security experts across the region can come together, share their knowledge and expertise,” she said.

In a press statement ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn welcomed the launch, describing it as a timely initiative that reinforces ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional health systems.

“The ASEAN-UK  HSP is a timely initiative that complements ASEAN’s collective efforts in strengthening pandemic preparedness and building resilient healthcare systems. We value the UK’s commitment to meaningful and lasting cooperation with ASEAN,” he said.

The HSP programme focuses on enhancing pandemic preparedness, tackling emerging diseases, and boosting the resilience of health systems across Southeast Asia.

It is one of the key deliverables under the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action (2022-2026), reinforcing the UK’s commitment as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner.

The UK-funded initiative will offer grant funding for projects that improve health systems and access to healthcare across the region and aims to enhance capacity to respond to emerging threats, including those arising from climate change.

The programme will facilitate expert partnerships between ASEAN and global institutions, particularly in the UK, to jointly develop innovative health solutions.

-- BERNAMA