The Ministers of Health of the ASEAN Member States and the People’s Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea, convened the Third ASEAN Plus Three Health Ministers Meeting on 10 October 2008 in Manila, Philippines.
The Health Ministers exchanged views on the 9th AHMM theme on “Trade Liberalisation: Its Adverse Impact on our Borderless Health Problems”. The Health Ministers shared the common view that globalisation and trade liberalisation may contribute to positive and negative implications to the health sector. With the current developments, this is an opportune time to discuss the health-related issues surrounding trade liberalisation and globalisation.
The Health Ministers agreed that globalisation and trade liberalisation pose favourable and unfavourable impacts on the health sector such as cost saving, equitable, and affordable access to quality care.
The Health Ministers recognised that the current trend of increasing movement of qualified and competent health professionals may lead to shortage of human health resource in the originating countries, putting at risk the less privileged communities.
The Health Ministers welcomed the plan to initiate further studies on the implications of trade liberalisation, especially on trade in health services. The Health Ministers welcomed the move to mount a regional initiative that would bring together health, trade and other relevant policy-makers and stakeholders in the region to discuss and to develop approaches to address the negative impact of trade liberalisation.
In addressing the threat of emerging infectious diseases like avian and pandemic influenza, the Health Ministers recognised that preparedness and response mechanisms are generally in place in all the ASEAN Member States and some countries have conducted table-top or simulation exercises.
The Health Ministers welcomed the progress made on regional efforts for the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases through the ASEAN Plus Three Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Programme, the regional initiatives for multisectoral pandemic preparedness and response, and on the prevention and control of HIV / AIDS. The Health Ministers also support the Call for Action towards the Elimination of Rabies in the ASEAN Member States and the Plus Three Countries by year 2020.
The ASEAN Health Ministers exchanged views on regional and international concerns. They were of the common view that melamine, even at the minutest amount, should never be added deliberately to any food product. They condemned strongly unscrupulous business practices and cover-up by any entity.
On the impact of natural disasters, the Health Ministers agreed that vulnerable populations need to be protected and social security and safety nets need to be effectively implemented. They agreed that the Member States should themselves be prepared to provide immediate response. A strong regional network for quick response will be established to assist and provide support to any affected country.
As ASEAN is more widely recognised as an effective force for dialogue and regional cooperation, the ASEAN Health Ministers looked forward to stronger collaboration in addressing health concerns with the ultimate goal of improving the health situation in the ASEAN region.
