Bali, IO – Health ministers from all ASEAN member countries agreed to set up the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED). The agreement was made during the 15th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) in Bali, May 11-15.
Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the meeting produced a joint statement for the establishment of ACPHEED based on three main pillars, namely prevention, detection and response with centers built in three countries – Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
“These centers will build the capability and capacity of all ASEAN countries to prepare themselves in the event of public health emergencies such as a new pandemic,” said Budi, according to the Health Ministry website on Tuesday (16/5).