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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ASEAN pushes stronger regional healthcare, AI-driven health systems amid pandemic threats

ASEAN pushes stronger regional healthcare, AI-driven health systems amid pandemic threats

Published May 10, 2026 07:04 am  |  Updated May 10, 2026 02:01 pm

At A Glance

  • ASEAN leaders pushed for stronger regional healthcare cooperation amid growing global health threats.
  • The bloc backed digital health systems, AI-driven healthcare, and the creation of a regional public health emergency center.
  • Leaders also cited child malnutrition, immunization, and pandemic preparedness as key priorities.
The 11 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) do the ASEAN handshake during the 48th ASEAN Summit Retreat Session in Cebu on May 8, 2026. (PCO)
The 11 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) do the ASEAN handshake during the 48th ASEAN Summit Retreat Session in Cebu on May 8, 2026. (PCO)

The 11 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional healthcare cooperation and building more resilient public health systems amid growing health and pandemic threats across Southeast Asia.

In the Chair’s Statement of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring universal access to essential health services and accelerating the adoption of digital health systems across the region.

They said ASEAN remains committed to “building a healthier, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN Community” through stronger regional coordination on healthcare and disease response.

The leaders also highlighted the need to address child malnutrition and improve immunization efforts, while enhancing the region’s preparedness and response to outbreaks, pandemics, and emerging health challenges.

Public health emergencies

ASEAN leaders acknowledged the region’s vulnerability to public health threats, including pandemics, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters.

“We reaffirmed our resolve to strengthen regional health security through a coordinated, whole-of-ASEAN approach,” the Chair’s Statement read.

The leaders said ASEAN would work to improve prevention, preparedness, detection, and response systems for future health emergencies.

They also welcomed the planned establishment and operationalization of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), which will serve as a regional hub for surveillance, research, training, and information exchange.

According to the statement, the center aims to strengthen the region’s preparedness and response capabilities during future public health crises.

ASEAN leaders also underscored the importance of strengthening Emergency Operations Centers and the ASEAN EOC Network to improve information sharing and regional coordination during emergencies.

AI, digital health

The leaders also recognized the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare delivery and public health management.

They said AI could help improve diagnostics, imaging, surgical care, patient monitoring, therapeutics, rehabilitation, healthcare operations, and public health systems.

The bloc also expressed support for the ASEAN Health Sector’s digital health and health information systems initiatives as part of broader efforts to modernize healthcare systems across the region.

Earlier in the statement, ASEAN leaders also emphasized the role of AI and emerging technologies in supporting health services and improving regional resilience.

Related Tags

ASEAN ASEAN Summit HEALTH Healthcare AI
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