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ASEAN
The
SPECIAL EDITION
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020
ISSN 2721-8058
THE INSIDE VIEW CONVERSATIONS VIEWPOINT
The ASEAN Regional Living Through WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL
COVID-19 Response The Pandemic Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD
“Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program deeply values its impactful
collaboration with the ASEAN Health Sector through the Mitigation of
Biological Threats Program. This collaboration has meaningfully enhanced
the capacity of ASEAN partners to prevent, detect, and respond to all manner
of biological threats, whether natural, accidental, or deliberate in origin.”
Diedrah Kelly
Ambassador, Mission of Canada to ASEAN
Read the full article on page 30
Contents 3
17
Secretary-General of ASEAN
Dato Lim Jock Hoi
IN THIS ISSUE Deputy Secretary-General of
ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Community (ASCC)
Special Edition: Kung Phoak
Stronger Health EDITORIAL BOARD
Systems, Our Directors of ASCC Directorates
Rodora T. Babaran,
Lifeline in Ky-Anh Nguyen
A Pandemic Assistant Directors
of ASCC Divisions
Ferdinal Fernando,
Containment Measures Jonathan Tan,
Across ASEAN 9 Mary Anne Therese Manuson,
Mega Irena, Riyanti Djalante,
ASEAN COVID-19 Sita Sumrit, Vong Sok
Response: An Overview 11
ASEAN Center for Public EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor-in-Chief
Health Emergencies and
Emerging Diseases 14
Viewpoint Conversations Mary Kathleen Quiano-Castro
Associate Editor
National Vaccine Security and Ltg. (Ret) Terawan Disa Edralyn, MD Joanne B. Agbisit
Self-Reliance on the Pandemic Agus Putranto, MD, PhD Doctor, COVID-19 Survivor 40 Staff Writer
Influenza Preparedness in Former Minister of Health, Indonesia Novia D. Rulistia
Jonas Elmer Balneg
Thailand 23 and Chair of the ASEAN Health Registered Nurse 41
Senior Officer, Analysis Division
Ministers Meeting 6 Kiran Sagoo
Regional Collaborative Strategy Paul Nyan Myint Soe
for ASEAN Drug Security and Chiba Akira COVID-19 Survivor, Business EDITORIAL ADDRESS
Self-Reliance 26 Ambassador, Mission of Japan Director 43 The ASEAN Secretariat
Regional Health Chart 28 to ASEAN 16 ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala Community Department
Digital Technologies to Tedros Adhanom Advocate for Breast Cancer Literacy Jalan Sisingamangaraja 70A
Strengthen Health Systems 33 Ghebreyesus, PhD and Early Detection, Journalist 44 Jakarta 12110, Indonesia
Director-General, WHO 18 Tel: 62-21-7262991
Mental Health in a Post- Dy Sophorn
E-mail: ASCCAD@asean.org
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, PhD Primary School Teacher 49
pandemic ASEAN 36
Board Chair, Gavi, The Vaccine ISSN 2721-8058
Building Back Better: Towards Peter Thipommajan
Alliance 21
Non-profit Founder and
a Community-wide Recovery 46
Diedrah Kelly Coordinator 50
Understanding the COVID-19 Ambassador, Mission of Canada
Melvin Chew
Effects on ASEAN Livelihood 48 to ASEAN
Hawker Stall Owner 51
ASEAN Plans to Boost Travel Universal and Gender-
Samak Kosem Issue 6
Amid a Pandemic. Here’s How. 58 Responsive Health Care: https://bit.ly/
Lessons from Canada 30 Artist and Researcher 52
TheASEAN_V6
A Landmark Summit to Mark Ain Bandial
an Extraordinary Year 61 Culture and Identity The ASEAN’s past issues
Digital Media Company are available at asean.org
Peter Schoof, PhD
Amidst the Pandemic, ASEAN German Ambassador to Indonesia, Co-Founder, Journalist 53
Continues to Strengthen ASEAN and Timor-Leste Nguyen Qui Duc
External Engagements 63 The Power of Storytelling Business Owner, Arts Advocate,
ASEAN Leads the Way: The and Implementing the ASEAN Writer 54
Regional Comprehensive Communication Master Plan 70 Nadira Ramli and
Economic Partnership 65 Bringing ASEAN to the People, Syed Abdul Rahman
ASCC Meetings 68 One Story At A Time 73 Pilots, Entrepreneurs 56
Cover Illustration by Jojo Limpo
4 Message from the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN
Message from the Deputy Secretary-General
weaknesses in our nations’ health sharpened focus on post-pandemic
systems. This Special Edition looks recovery, with initiatives that include
into the initiatives that will enhance the COVID-19 Recovery Framework
health systems and enable countries and the ASEAN COVID-19 Response
to respond better to future outbreaks Fund. The establishment of the ASEAN
and pandemics while providing Centre on Public Health Emergencies
quality healthcare. and Emerging Diseases, which
is supported by Japan, was also
The ASEAN produced this edition announced at the sidelines of
with valuable support from Canada’s the Summit. This initiative will
government, ASEAN’s partner in the build the region’s capacity to
health sector. prevent and respond to another
public health emergency.
Our distinguished contributors
and experts weigh in on various ASEAN caps 2020 with the signing of
aspects of healthcare—the universal the Regional Comprehensive Economic
and timely delivery of health services, Partnership Agreement, a landmark
the availability of safe and affordable trade pact that will be the world’s
The world started 2020 with the drugs and vaccines, training and largest once it takes effect.
alarming news of an unidentified development of health workers,
disease. COVID-19 turned into upgrading infrastructure, and The pandemic is a defining moment
a global pandemic that would adopting digital technologies. in history, a collective experience that
exact a devastating toll on lives has altered the lives of ASEAN people,
and livelihoods. The impact of the pandemic and will shape the policy landscape of
goes beyond the health sector, ASEAN and its individual members for
The year concludes with promising and it has spared no one. In our years to come. It is imperative to tell
reports of vaccines that may soon region, thousands have lost their and record this story from multiple
be available to help slow down the lives; millions are out of jobs; lenses, not only from the perspective
spread of the disease. The collective businesses are forced to close of our leaders and policymakers, but
effort to find successful vaccine down. This year’s uncertainties have also from people from all walks of life.
candidates in such a short time put a toll on people’s well-being, and Narratives serve home truths, provoke
is unprecedented. It speaks of the it underscores the need to address reflections and insights, inspire solutions,
power of collaboration when the goal mental health as an integral part of and create hope and optimism.
is for the common good. The difficult primary healthcare. The conversations
task of ensuring the affordable and with people across the region reflect The magazine is grateful to the
equitable distribution of vaccines, their struggles and hopes as they Government of India’s support that
however, still lies ahead. cope with this year’s tremendous has allowed us to continue sharing
and unforeseen changes. these ASEAN narratives.
In January, ASEAN quickly activated
regional health mechanisms that Inevitably, the pandemic’s socio- I share everyone’s hopes that the start of
would support the Member States’ economic impact dominated the 2021 will write a better and kinder story.
COVID-19 response measures. discussion during the 37th ASEAN
There have been successes in the Summit and Related Summits. With Kung Phoak
containment, but the pandemic’s Viet Nam as Chair, ASEAN navigated Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for
impact has exposed the gaps and through this challenging year with a the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
The ASEAN November–December 2020
ASEAN’s COVID-19 response
and the need to build stronger
health systems
Ensuring national health systems are well
prepared and resilient all starts by recognising
health as a fundamental human right, which
means a commitment to health for all.
–Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,
WHO Director-General
COVAX is a model for international cooperation
that shows governments can put aside national
interests in the pursuit of a goal greater than
any one of them could achieve on their own.
–Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Board Chair, Gavi,
The Vaccine Alliance
The lessons learned from this pandemic
include the need to stimulate health system
reform and build resilient health systems in
anticipation of future outbreaks and pandemics.
–Ltg. (Ret) Terawan Agus Putranto, MD, PhD,
Former Minister of Health, Indonesia
Photo Credit: © People Image Studio/Shutterstock
6 Special Edition
Viewpoint:
Ltg. (Ret) Terawan Agus Putranto, MD, PhD
Former Minister of Health, Indonesia and Chair
of the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM)
In early December, Former
Health Minister Putranto
addressed The ASEAN's
questions on the lessons
learned from the COVID-19
pandemic, the importance
of strengthening health
systems and the AHMM's
initiatives to help Member
States respond to future
outbreaks and pandemics.
Indonesia chairs the
AHMM from 2020 to 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored made the burden even harder. Due to
the importance of a strong health system the rapid increase of infections, the ASEAN
that is accessible to all. In what ways has Member States also encountered massive
Within the framework of the ASEAN the pandemic affected the health strain in health financing which led to
Post-2015 Health Development systems of Member States? prioritising their national budget
Agenda, what are the plans and Minister Putranto: I believe that at the for the handling of COVID-19.
priorities of Indonesia as Chair outset of the crisis, there was no country,
of AHMM for 2020-2021? including the ASEAN Member States, Eventually, we realised that the pandemic
Minister Putranto: As the deadline for that was well prepared for this COVID-19 has affected every country irrespective
the ASEAN Post-2015 Health Development pandemic, even though every country of the state of development and the need
Agenda is approaching by the end of 2020, has its core capacities to implement the for stronger national health systems and
one of the priority goals for Indonesia’s International Health Regulations 2005. regional approach. Accordingly, we have
AHMM Chairmanship for 2020-2021 is to identified the weaknesses and are working
accelerate the implementation of the current The unprecedented scale of COVID-19 and on addressing them systematically. It has
Photo Credit: © Ministry of Health, Republic of Indonesia
ASEAN Health Cluster Work Programme and its impact on the health systems of ASEAN made all realise the critical importance of
develop the Work Programmes 2021-2024 Member States come in different stages robust primary health care comprised of
in which promoting effective Governance for each country; particularly it adversely disease prevention, health education, and
and Implementing Mechanism, including impacts health services delivery, the community empowerment in practicing a
digital health figure prominently. health workforce, and financing. healthy lifestyle. All these aspects are part
Furthermore, we are also targeting to of a whole health system, each supporting
establish a Health Sector Knowledge With regard to the health service delivery, one another to achieve more resilience
Management System. some countries are facing difficulties related and sustainable ASEAN health systems.
to the inadequate number of referral hospitals
In response to the current challenges, as with its bed capacity and other required This experience also taught us the
the chair of AHMM, Indonesia is working equipment, laboratories, and essential medical need to ensure the sustainability of
to synergise and scale-up ASEAN health supplies. The limited availability of test kits for health financing by establishing national
mechanisms and platforms in preparedness the COVID-19 is also a challenge as the number health insurance programs and working
and response to the COVID-19 pandemic of patients might be more than the numbers towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
future public health emergencies in a more indicated. As for the health workforce, short for our people, particularly disadvantaged
coherent ASEAN way. supply of health personnel and front-liners and vulnerable groups.
The ASEAN November-December 2020
Special Edition 7
What are the ongoing regional initiatives What are the lessons learned and insights briefings, cross-ministries collaboration, the
led by the ASEAN Health Sector specifically you can share about Indonesia’s COVID-19 establishment of a COVID-19 laboratories
designed to address gaps in and improve response and national initiatives? network across Indonesia, setting up referral
Member States’ health systems? Minister Putranto: Indonesia’s COVID-19 hospitals, emergency temporary hospitals
Minister Putranto: Each country has responses are reflected in the steps taken such as Wisma Atlet in Jakarta and Galang
a different policy approach based on by the government to flatten the curve of Island, the deployment of additional human
its specific problems. Aside from the COVID-19 transmission. Our first principal resources for health, and forging public-
different national responses, ASEAN approach is in the public health sector, private partnerships, among others.
managed to activate its existing regional where we control the spread of COVID-19
mechanisms and platforms in responding by testing, tracing, isolating, and treating Since the beginning of the outbreak, we
to the COVID-19 pandemic. the patients. The next step taken is in the realised that it would not be easy.Through
socio-economic sector in which we the IAR, we learned our lessons identified
These mechanisms are ongoing: ASEAN prepare a social safety net for the poor challenges and put more efforts into
Emergency Operations Centre (ASEAN EOC), household to meet their basic needs and addressing them:
Network for Public Health Emergencies, protect the vulnerable group from falling • Capacity enhancement for contact
ASEAN Plus Three Field Epidemiology Training into poverty. Further, we are committed to tracing and surveillance in which
Network (ASEAN+3), ASEAN BioDiaspora supporting the business sectors, especially we are now collaborating with local
Virtual Centre (ABVC) for Big Data micro-, small, and medium enterprises, government to apply decentralisation
Analytics, ASEAN Risk Assessment and so that they could continue to operate and recruit volunteer;
Risk Communication (ARARC), the Regional during this difficult time. • In terms of testing kits enhancement,
Public Health Laboratories Network (RPHL), we are establishing government
Human and Animal Health Collaboration, Prior to the first case of COVID-19 detected to government, government to
ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance in Indonesia on 2 March 2020, Indonesia’s person, and government to non-
(AVSSR), Regional Collaborative Strategy government had preparedness measures government collaboration;
on ASEAN Drug Security and Self-reliance in multiple points of entry, considered to • To address the gaps in lab capacity,
(ADSSR), Biosafety and Biosecurity training have high mobility. Several days after we are doing some capacity building
and networks. WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, in which we are partnering with cross-
President Joko Widodo established a task sector lab, the development partner,
These mechanisms and platforms force to accelerate all prevention measures. and utilising the digital platform;
enable the ASEAN health sector The government officially declared COVID-19 • We realised that our infrastructure is still
to address gaps and improve the as a national public health emergency, considered inadequate considering that
ASEAN Member States’ health system by followed by the issuance of a Presidential Indonesia is a big country, therefore
conducting rapid information sharing and Decree that directed large-scale social as of now, we have expanded 422
technical exchanges, risk assessment, risk distancing measures. The subsequent laboratories and 920 referral hospitals;
communication, contact tracing, exchange declaration of COVID-19 as a national • We are also still experiencing logistics
of laboratory readiness and response disaster enabled the government to challenges, and as such, we are working
action, and capacity strengthening. reallocate all resources and activate the to simplify the medicines and medical
emergency fund for COVID-19 handling. supplies importation mechanism. We
As the ASEAN Health Sector continues are also undertaking government to
to respond according to the evolution Since early June 2020, Indonesia has adapted government and business to business
and trajectory of the outbreaks in Member the “new normal” concept by applying strict collaboration, and partnering with
States, the ASEAN Health Ministers convened health protocols in people’s daily lives. It was other non-government bodies such
a special video conference on 7 April 2020 then followed by the issuance of a presidential as the UN and Non-UN.
among ASEAN Health Ministers and with decree creating the COVID-19 Handling and
Plus Three, and also on 31 April 2020 National Economic Recovery Committee The COVID-19 pandemic needs robust health
with the United States, to review the to support the revival of businesses and systems to respond adequately, both in
current situation and response, outline prevent further economic downturns. mobilising resources for handling COVID-19
priority policy and strategic directions pandemic and handling the decline of
for the ASEAN Health Sector, and enhance On 11-14 August 2020, Indonesia conducted essential public health services. The lessons
cooperation with partners. The mandates the Intra Action Review (IAR) as a follow up learned from this pandemic include the need
are, among others, to sustain and to the 4th Meeting of the WHO Emergency to stimulate health system reform and build
institutionalise the existing regional Committee, which is a comprehensive multi- resilient health systems in anticipation of
mechanism, mobilising timely technical, sectoral qualitative review of the ongoing future outbreaks and pandemics. The areas
material and financial resources critical COVID-19 response to identify gaps and of health system reform are education and
to sustaining national health system opportunities to learn and improve deployment of human resources in line with
response including drug and vaccine Indonesia’s COVID-19 response. There are future health problems; strengthening of
security and self-reliance, and ensuring many other measures taken such as the primary health care; upgrading health facilities
access to essential health care services. establishment of hotline services, daily media in isolated, border and geographically remote
8 Special Edition
areas; building self-reliance of pharmaceuticals ASEAN preparedness, response and ASEAN’s connectivity, business and
and medical devices; reinforcing health security; resilience to public health emergencies, prevent further economic downturns.
improving communicable diseases prevention particularly on emerging and re-emerging The TCA will facilitate essential
and control, including immunisation; boosting infectious diseases; partnering with Japan business travel among ASEAN Member
health financing and the use of information in carrying out the feasibility study and States under strict health protocols and
technology; and raising community preparing for its establishment. We also public health regulations;
empowerment to practice healthier lifestyles. welcome future collaborations with other • The development of the ASEAN Strategic
partners once the Centre is established; Framework for Public Health Emergencies
Most importantly, we will ensure the • ASEAN Portal for Public Health and upcoming Standard Operating
availability of vaccines and medicines for Emergencies, in collaboration with Procedure on Public Health Emergencies
the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 Canada and Germany. This portal will as core documents that guide ASEAN
by participating in solidarity trials, research later serve as the platform for public cooperation in enhancing regional
and development, and vaccine provision, information to step up knowledge and preparedness, detection, response, and
once these are available. experience sharing within the region; resilience to public health emergencies.
• ASEAN-Canada has developed the
We have seen the importance of collaboration Mitigation of Biological Threats Apart from these new initiatives, we are
to overcome the challenges in combating Programme, which prepares and also taking on these activities that were
COVID-19 among government bodies, the responds to outbreaks and emerging supported by Partners:
private sector, civil society organisations, dangerous pathogens, and now focuses • Enhancing the Detection Capacity for
other countries in the region, as well as on the COVID-19 outbreak; COVID-19 in the ASEAN Member States
our international development partners. • ASEAN Public Health Emergency with the Republic of Korea (ROK);
Coordination System, in collaboration • Technical assistance and exchanges,
Can you share with us the new initiatives of with the USA. This initiative will also and provision of medical supplies and
the ASEAN Health Sector and its partners provide support for ACPHEED once equipment at bilateral and regional levels
not only to eliminate COVID-19 but also to the ASEAN Centre is established. with China, ROK, Canada, and Germany;
prevent another pandemic or be prepared • Expert Panel on COVID-19, as supported
for a similar health emergency in the region? Since public health emergencies and by GIZ through European Union funding,
Minister Putranto: We are aware that global pandemics can recur many times in the will be implemented soon once the
crises require global cooperation. In light future, ASEAN needs to fortify the region’s project team has been put in place;
of this, we enhanced our engagement with security against future public health • Developing the ASEAN Health Protocol
external and development partners, threats. We also realise the importance of as a preventive measure;
which delivered several initiatives that collaboration, not only within the ASEAN • Noting that ASEAN has a good and
aim to enhance the current response Health Sector, but also with other non-health close working relationship with the
and ensure future preparedness. sectors and partners. In view of this, we are WHO WRPO and WHO SEARO, they
at the helm of some projects and activities are now proposing cooperation
In view of these considerations, we are initiated by the non-health sectors and that includes activities in the ASEAN
currently establishing new initiatives that supported by external partners. These include: Member States and a component of
intend to have ASEAN’s comprehensive • COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and support to regional coordination in the
approach in responding to public health ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical region for better response to COVID-19;
emergencies and other future emerging Supplies for Public Health Emergencies • A series of discussions with multilateral
and re-emerging infectious diseases (RRMS), initiated by the non-health sector key actors, such as officials from the Gavi,
threats, namely: to step up our response to COVID-19, the Vaccine Alliance on the Global
• The establishment of ASEAN Centre for particularly in filling health system gaps COVID-19 Vaccine Access Facility to
Public Health Emergencies and Emerging faced by ASEAN Member States; ensure COVID-19 vaccine supplies
Diseases (ACPHEED) which is intended • ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangements (TCA), and distribution for the region.
to enhance integrated and sustained a post-pandemic recovery plan to restore
ASEAN is working at different levels to
augment each Member State’s national
capacity to handle the challenges posed
by the pandemic. We are enhancing regional
Since public health emergencies and cooperation and adopting approaches
designed to adapt to the cross-border and
pandemics can recur many times in the future, cross-sectoral nature of the pandemic. We
ASEAN needs to fortify the region’s security are also strengthening cooperation with
our international partners and external
against future public health threats. organisations, dialogue, and development
partners to support ASEAN’s current efforts
to build capacity in handling future threats.
The ASEAN November-December 2020
Special Edition 9
In Brief
ASEAN MEMBER STATES'
COVID-19 Response and BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Containment Measures First confirmed case: 10 March
First confirmed death: 27 March
MYANMAR equirement for all passengers arriving
R
elaxation of restrictions in five
R from countries with COVID-19 cases to
First confirmed case: 23 March
townships in Yangon: 28 May-31 July undergo 14-day self-isolation: February
First confirmed death: 31 March Ban on outbound travel: 16 March
Opening of high schools after
a two-month delay: 21 July B
an on entry and transit of all foreign nationals
equirement for all travellers to
R Nationwide school closure due to through land, sea, and air: 24 March
undergo a 14-day government facility rising COVID-19 cases: 27 August Closure of schools, places of worship, and
quarantine upon arrival in Myanmar: Domestic travel ban: 11 September restaurants and other businesses: 31 March
25 March Lockdown and stay-at-home rules Easing of social distancing measures,
Ban on all incoming international in Yangon region: 21 September 1st phase (e.g. reopening of markets,
passenger flights: 30 March R esumption of domestic flights: food stalls, sports facilities): 16 May
Lockdown and stay-at-home notice 16 December Reopening of schools for in-person
in seven townships in Yangon: 18 April instruction: 2 June
Compulsory wearing of face masks in Sources: Ministry of Health and Sports Easing of social distancing measures, 2nd
44 townships of Yangon: 13 May Myanmar, ABVC Risk Assessment Report phase (e.g. reopening of museums, senior
citizen centres; higher volume of people in
mosques and commercial establishments):
15 June
CAMBODIA Easing of social distancing measures,
First confirmed case: 27 January L ifting of international travel ban: 22 May 3rd phase (e.g. reopening of cinemas,
No confirmed deaths Reopening of public kindergarten and swimming pools): 6 July
primary schools for in-person instruction Easing of social distancing measures, 4th
in low-risk areas: 7 September phase (e.g. mosques, markets, restaurants,
Ban on entry of foreigners Requirement for all travellers arriving in other establishments can operate at full
coming from countries with Cambodia to quarantine in government- capacity): 27 July
COVID-19 cases: 17 March designated centres: 18 November Entry of foreigners for essential travel;
Closure of educational institutions: New ban on mass gatherings in areas mandatory testing upon arrival; quarantine
16 March with clusters of cases, such as Phnom period depending on the level of risk:
Requirement for foreign nationals Penh: November 15 September
to present COVID-19 -free health
certificate within 72 hours before Sources: CDC Department of Cambodia’s Sources: Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry
date of travel: 31 March Ministry of Health, ABVC Risk Assessment of Health, ASEAN BioDiaspora Virtual Center
Domestic travel ban: 9-16 April Report, WHO (ABVC) Risk Assessment Report
LAO PDR
MALAYSIA First confirmed case: 24 March
First confirmed case: 25 January No confirmed deaths
Relaxation of restrictions, known as
First confirmed death: 18 March
Conditional Movement Control Order,
which permits the movement of people Closing of international, interprovincial,
B an on entry and transit of all foreign within the territory of each state and and traditional borders: 30 March-19 April
nationals, with very limited exception; opening of most sectors of the Nationwide restrictions on internal
mandatory 14-day quarantine upon economy: 4 May movement: 1 April-3 May
arrival: 16 March Compulsory wearing of face masks Reopening of schools, business
I mplementation of nationwide in public places: 1 August and entertainment places: 2 June
lockdown or Movement Control Order Entry ban on citizens of countries that Requirement for all travellers entering Laos to
(Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Kerajaan have recorded more than 150,000 cases: present COVID-19 -free health certificate
Malaysia), i.e. prohibition of mass 7 September within 72 hours of arrival: 18 October
movements and gatherings, closure Reopening of higher education S uspension of visa issuance to visitors
of schools, closure of all government institutions: 2 October from countries that remain affected
and private premises except those Shorter quarantine period for incoming by the COVID-19 outbreak: 2 December
involved in essential services: travellers: 14 December L ockdown and restriction of movement in
18 March areas with new cases: 4 and 7 December
B an on entry of all tourists and Sources: Ministry of Health Malaysia,
foreign nationals: 18 March ABVC Risk Assessment Report, WHO Sources: ABVC Risk Assessment Report; WHO
10 Special Edition
PHILIPPINES SINGAPORE
First confirmed case: 30 January First confirmed case: 23 January
First confirmed death: 2 February ompulsory wearing of face masks
C First confirmed death: 21 March
and other protective equipment in
public areas: 9 April
Ban on entry of foreigners B
an of visitors arriving from areas with
Transition of various areas
from areas with COVID-19 COVID-19 cases: 1 February (China),
to General Community Quarantine,
cases: 31 January (Hubei, China), 26 February (other areas)
i.e. operation of public transportation
2 February (other areas in East Asia) Mandatory 14-day stay-home notice for
and select businesses at reduced
Placement of the entire Luzon Singapore citizens, permanent residents,
capacity: May-July
island including Metro Manila and long-term pass holders returning from
Imposition of modified ECQ in Metro
under Enhanced Community COVID-19-affected areas: 18 February
Manila and select provinces due to
Quarantine or ECQ, i.e. closure Ban on entry and transit of all short-
rising cases: 4-18 August
of schools, offices, non-essential term visitors from anywhere in the
Lifting of the ban on non-essential
businesses; ban on mass world: 23 March
travel of Filipino citizens: 21 October
gatherings; suspension Implementation of safe distancing
Mandatory use of face masks and face
of public transport: 17 March measures called Circuit Breaker, which
shields outside of people's homes:
Ban on entry of foreign nationals, entails closure of schools, work
15 December
with some exception; mandatory place premises, and non-essential
testing and quarantine upon Sources: Department of Health of businesses: 7 April
entry: 17 March the Philippines, Philippines COVID-19 Compulsory wearing of face masks
Ban on outbound travel: Inter-agency Task Force, ABVC Risk outdoors: 14 April
17 March Assessment Report, WHO E nd of Circuit Breaker, gradual resumption
of activities: June
Loosening of travel restrictions and
negotiations to create special lanes for
visitors coming from identified low-risk
THAILAND INDONESIA
countries; mandatory testing upon
First confirmed case: 13 January First confirmed case: 2 March
entry: beginning August
First confirmed death: 1 March First confirmed death: 11 March Pilot programme to reopen a limited
number of nightlife establishments:
Temporary closure of nine border an on entry of foreigners coming from
B 9 December
checkpoints (land and sea): 22 March areas with COVID-19 cases: 5 February
Requirement for all foreigners on (China), 8 March (other areas) Sources: Ministry of Health Singapore,
international flights to present COVID-19- Compulsory wearing of face mask ABVC Risk Assessment Report, WHO
free health certificate within 72 hours in public spaces: 5 April
prior to the date of travel: 22 March Implementation of nationwide large-
Declaration of a state of emergency, scale social restrictions (Pembatasan
requiring closure of public places, ban Sosial Berskala Besar or PSBB), including VIET NAM
on mass gatherings, and shutdown of closure of schools, offices, places
First confirmed case: 23 January
land, sea, or air borders: 26 March of worship; suspension of social
First confirmed death: 31 July
National implementation of curfew: and cultural activities; and limited
3 April movement of people: 10 April
Resumption of domestic flights: 1 May Ban on entry and transit of all foreign equirement for travellers from China
R
Gradual reopening of several businesses: nationals through land, sea, and air: to submit health declaration and undergo
May-June 24 April 14-day quarantine in government-
Resumption of in-person instruction Requirement for domestic and controlled facilities: January
in all schools: 13 August international travellers to present Compulsory wearing of face masks
Gradual reopening of the country to COVID-19 -free health certificate: 4 June in public places: 16 March
tourism under a special tourist visa scheme; Easing of PSBB in Jakarta in preparation International travel restriction: 22 March
mandatory testing and quarantine upon for transition to new normal: June Nationwide lockdown: 1 April-23 April
arrival: October-December Reopening of schools for in-person Sub-national/localised lockdown:
E asing of travel restrictions for citizens instruction in low-risk areas: July 27 July-14 September
rom 56 countries; mandatory 2-week Reinstatement of PSBB in Jakarta due Resumption of international commercial
hotel quarantine: 17 December to rising cases: 14 September flights with select countries; mandatory
Return to transitional phase of PSBB testing and quarantine of arriving
Sources: in Jakarta: 11 October passengers: September
ABVC Risk Reciprocal green lane arrangement Temporary suspension of all inbound
Assessment with Singapore: 26 October international commercial flights
Report, WHO following new local community
E xtension of transitional phase of
PSBB: 7 December transmission cases: 2 December
Sources: ABBVC Risk Assessment Report, Sources: ABVC Risk Assessment Report,
Indonesia’s National COVID-19 Task Force WHO, World Bank
The ASEAN November-December 2020Special Edition 11
ASEAN HEALTH SECTOR’S
Collective Response to COVID-19
FERDINAL M. FERNANDO, MD
HEAD, HEALTH DIVISION
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT
The ASEAN Health Sector has been engaged in the prevention, detection, and response
to COVID-19 since the first week of January 2020 when information about the cluster
of pneumonia cases in Wuhan City was shared with the ASEAN Secretariat.
Figure 1
Latest New Deaths Reported
First Total New Cases Case Reported
Report On Total (7-day Test Last RT
Region Country Confirmed Confirmed (7-day Rolling Fatality Case/
Confirmed Deaths Rolling 14 Days/ Mean**
Case (S) Cases Average) Rate 100,000
Case(S) Average) 100,000
ASEAN Brunei 10 Mar 20 08-Dec-20 152 - 3 - 1.97 39
REGION
Cambodia 27 Jan 20 21-Dec-20 363 - - - - 2
Indonesia 02 Mar 20 22-Dec-20 678,125 6,347 (6,957) 20,257 172 (164) 2.99 285 265 1.1
Lao DPR 24 Mar 20 07-Dec-20 41 - - - - 1
Malaysia 25 Jan 20 22-Dec-20 97,389 2,062 (1,539) 439 1 (2) 0.45 341 961 1.0
Myanmar 23 Mar 20 22-Dec-20 117,946 964 (1,040) 2,484 19 (24) 2.11 229 517 0.9
Philippines 30 Jan 20 22-Dec-20 462,815 1,310 (1,586) 9,021 64 (30) 1.95 501 411 1.1
Singapore 23 Jan 20 22-Dec-20 58,461 29 (17) 29 - 0.05 1,510 5,082 1.5
Thailand 13 Jan 20 22-Dec-20 5,716 427 (218) 60 - 1.05 8 25 4.9
Viet Nam 23 Jan 20 22-Dec-20 1,420 6 (2) 35 - 2.46 2 -
1,422,428 11,145 32,328 256
*The calculated CFR is based on reported deaths and reported case counts, and does not account for recovered cases over time or rate of testing in a particular region
**Rt Transmission Rate: the average number of secondary cases caused by each infectious individual, based on the daily incidence of new cases over the previous seven days
S
ince then, the ASEAN Health Sector’s collective response to on the region has made its health systems and socio-economic
COVID-19 was synergised and scaled-up to ensure harmonised conditions more fragile.
regional efforts in sustaining and further enhancing regional
health cooperation and efforts in responding to the impact of COVID-19. The epidemic curve from the latest risk assessment report indicates
that there are a few ASEAN Member States that are still experiencing
As of 23 December 2020, based on the Risk Assessment for International increased COVID-19 transmission. The majority are reporting slower
Dissemination of COVID-19 to the ASEAN Region consolidated by the rates of transmission with a cluster of cases in local communities
ASEAN Biodiaspora Virtual Centre (ABVC), the ASEAN region has over being reported.
1,422,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and at least 32,300 deaths.
The table above indicates that all ASEAN Member States have With this development, some Member States are transitioning from
reported cases either through local or imported transmission lockdown measures to gradually opening up their communities
within the month of December. and economic activities while sustaining public health and social
measures applicable for local and international movements
As of this writing, globally, there are more than 78,400,000 confirmed of population. However, there is still a need to strike a balance
cases, including more than 1,722,000 deaths, and the case fatality between continued efforts to suppress and stop the transmission
rate (CFR) is 2.20. The ASEAN region’s total confirmed cases make of the virus, and mitigation of the pandemic’s economic and
up just two per cent of the global figures, the impact of COVID-19 social impacts.12 Special Edition
678,125
600000 Figure 2
500000
Covid-19 Epi curve among ASEAN countries
400000 462,815
300000
117,946 5,716
200000 97,389 1,420
Confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in ASEAN region
by date of report through December 22, 2020 58,461 363
100000
152
0
41
13-Jan
17
21
25
29
02-Feb
06
10
14
18
22
26
01-Mar
05
09
13
17
21
25
29
02-Apr
06
10
14
18
22
26
30
04-May
08
12
16
20
24
28
01-Jun
05
09
13
17
21
25
29
03-Jul
07
11
15
19
23
27
31
04-Aug
08
12
16
20
24
28
01-Sep
05
09
13
17
21
25
29
03-Oct
07
11
15
19
23
27
31
1-Nov
08
12
16
20
24
28
02-Dec
06
10
14
18
22
Thailand Singapore Viet Nam Malaysia Cambodia Philippines Indonesia Brunei Myanmar Lao DPR
Source: https://asean.org/?static_post=updates-asean-health-sector-efforts-combat-novel-coronavirus-covid-19
The ASEAN Health Sector, through existing mechanisms and platforms, cooperation of the international community. The cooperation
has sustained the interventions launched since the first week of with Dialogue and Development Partners has been harnessed
January 2020 through cooperation within ASEAN and with other and enhanced through the ASEAN Health Sector cooperation.
external partners. The ASEAN Health Sector continues to have These resulted in ongoing and new initiatives that aim to enhance
technical updates and information exchanges, sharing of good the current response and ensure future preparedness. These
practices, production of risk assessment reports, and enhanced initiatives include as follows:
cooperation and coordination in preparedness, prevention, detection T he Enhancing the Detection Capacity for COVID-19 in ASEAN
and response among health and non-health stakeholders. Member States with the Republic of Korea, which was launched in
June, has progressed to procurement of kits and equipment, and
The sustained implementation of these activities is leveraged soon to delivery and conduct of in-country trainings.
with the strength of the: T he Development of an ASEAN Portal for Public Health Emergencies
A SEAN Emergency Operation Centre Network for Public with Canada has moved forward with the production of a beta
Health Emergencies; website; its further development will be supported through GIZ.
A SEAN BioDiaspora Virtual Centre which manages the programme T he Feasibility Study on the Establishment of the ASEAN Centre for
for big data analytics and visualization; Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases with Japan has
A SEAN Risk Assessment and Risk Communication Centre training on also advanced substantially through the engagement of experts
risk communication; and resource persons from ASEAN Member States, Japan,
E xisting ASEAN Health Plus one or Plus Three mechanisms Canada, United States and international institutions such as
of cooperation with Dialogue Partners such as China, Japan, WHO, Asian Development Bank, among others. This feasibility
Republic of Korea (ROK); study was concluded in October 2020 with the final report
A SEAN Plus Three Field Epidemiology Training Network; and and its recommendations elevated to the ASEAN Summit.
R egional Public Health Laboratory Network T he Expert Panel on COVID-19, as supported by GIZ through EU
funding, conducted its first webinar series in December 2020.
These platforms enabled ASEAN Health Sector to continue to: The next webinars in the series are scheduled in January 2021.
S hare situational updates and response information; technical The outcome of these webinar series with expert panel members
exchanges; real-time critical information and operational referrals will be the policy briefs for consideration by the ASEAN Health
via mobile instant messaging; Sector in strengthening response to COVID-19 and moving
S hare preparedness and response strategies, good practices towards recovery.
and lessons, as well as operational challenges, gaps and needs, T he ASEAN WHO Cooperation on COVID-19 Response will likewise
through video conferences and webinars. We have conducted be implemented with the support of EU funds to enhance existing
these activities within ASEAN and with Plus Three, Italy, United mechanisms on public health emergencies and support capacity
States, and during the period with health experts from building of Member States for sustaining COVID-19 response.
Australia and from France; T here will also be the continuation of relevant programmes for
P roduce thrice-weekly reports on the Risk Assessment for COVID-19 through the Mitigation of Biological Threats Programme
International Dissemination of COVID-19 ASEAN Region; supported by Canada.
C arry out exchanges on disease surveillance and laboratory R esearch and innovation initiatives on COVID-19 with the European
readiness and response actions, including risk communications, Commission have been conducted among relevant research and
and technical and material support. academic institutions of the ASEAN and EU regions.
T echnical assistance and exchanges, and provision of medical supplies
Collaboration and solidarity are critical in this extraordinary, and equipment at bilateral and regional levels with China, ROK,
unprecedented global health crisis, and it requires enhanced and Canada.
The ASEAN November-December 2020Special Edition 13
Figure 3
Enhanced Engagement
with External Partners
MITIGATION OF BIOLOGICAL
THREATS PROGRAMME (INCLUDES ENHANCING DETECTION CAPACITY
EOC FOR PHE, DISEASE & FOR COVID-19 IN ASEAN MEMBER
LABORATORY SURVEILLANCE, BIG STATES (JUNE 2020–JAN 2021/WITH
ASEAN DATA ANALYTICS & VISUALIZATION; REPUBLIC OF KOREA)
2014–2022/WITH CANADA)
PLUS THREE
/OTHERS
ASEAN – ASEAN – FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE
GIZ ROK DEVELOPMENT OF ASEAN PORTAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ASEAN
FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES , CENTRE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
PHASE 1& 2 (JUNE–JULY 2020/WITH EMERGENCIES AND EMERGING
CANADA & GIZ) DISEASES (JUNE–OCTOBER 2020/
WITH JAPAN)
ASEAN – ASEAN – RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FORMULATION OF THE ASEAN PUBLIC
WHO ASEAN CHINA INITIATIVES ON COVID-19 (WITH HEALTH EMERGENCY COORDINATION
HEALTH EUROPEAN UNION) SYSTEM; (WITH US/USAID PROSPECT)
SECTOR
ASEAN–WHO COOPERATION
EXPERT PANEL ON COVID-19
ON COVID-19 (WITH WHO AND
CANADA ASEAN – (WITH GIZ WITH EU SUPPORT)
EU SUPPORT)
GPP JAPAN
ASEAN – ASEAN – TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND
US EU EXCHANGES (AMS, PLUS THREE,
FRANCE, ITALY, US, AUSTRALIA, AND
PROVISION OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES
AND EQUIPMENT (AT BILATERAL AND
REGIONAL LEVELS WITH CHINA,
ROK, AND CANADA)
Noteworthy in our sustained response is the enhanced GAVI COVAX Facility, IHR, SDG, and the ASEAN Health Development
coordination and cooperation with external partners which Agenda for 2021-2025;
have resulted in expanded or new initiatives. Closely collaborate and coordinate with ASEAN Sectoral Bodies
and Development and Dialogue partners.
Figure 3 provides a summary of these ongoing cooperation
with external partners. Figure 4 maps out 27 health-related various interventions to
address health and health system issues and support the regional
In an effort to address the mounting challenges from this unprecedented prevention, detection and response measures. These include:
crisis, the ASEAN Health Sector has been further engaged with 11 operationalised mechanisms and platforms within the ASEAN
a number of proposed initiatives that emerged in response to Post-2015 Health Development Agenda including the implementation
different aspects of the pandemic including fortifying the region’s of the ASEAN Vaccine and Drug Security and Self-reliance;
security to future public health threats. These initiatives have been 8 new health initiatives including the Establishment of ASEAN
proposed by the Health Sector, non-health sectors as well as partners. Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases
5
non-health sector-initiated regional programmes endorsed
For this reason, the senior health officials of the region collectively initially by the ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group on
engaged in synergising and scaling-up COVID-19 responses involving Public Health Emergencies (ACC WG PHE) that require SOMHD
the ASEAN Health Sector. This was done to map existing and proposed contribution, which include the implementation of the ASEAN
initiatives relevant to health; determine and avoid redundancies Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery
or duplication of efforts; and synergise initiatives and enhance Framework and COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund; and, the ASEAN
complementarity of health-related response measures to COVID-19 Strategic Framework on PHE
and future pandemics or outbreaks. They hope that greater cooperation 3
new areas of cooperation with Development Partners to support
can be realised with ASEAN’s partners since there is still the need to: the ASEAN Health Sector’s efforts involving the initiatives on the
A
ccess regular and vital COVID -19 data and information; ASEAN-WHO Collaboration on Responding to COVID 19 funded by
A
ccess to resources for essential medical supplies, including vaccine; an EU grant; the ASEAN-GIZ Support COVID-19: Strengthening ASEAN ‘s
Develop regional framework for cross sectoral coordination in Capacity on Crisis and Health-Related Communication, which will
response and recovery; support the further enhancement of the ongoing project supported
F urther align with regional and global movements through the by Canada on the Development of the ASEAN Portal on Public14 Special Edition
Health Emergencies; and the conduct of a series of sessions of
Expert Panel on COVID-19 Response which will result in the ASEAN Center
for Public Health
development of relevant policy briefs on selected cross-cutting
themes/concerns; and, the first phase of the implementation of
the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR), which will
Emergencies and
focus on the timely and equitable access to affordable and
quality-assured COVID-19 vaccine/s under the AVSSR Regional
Strategic and Action Plan for 2021-2025.
With all of these ongoing and upcoming cooperation, greater
engagement with other stakeholders are encouraged to further
Emerging Diseases
enhance the whole of society and the whole of government
approach to responding to health threats. (ACPHEED)
Figure 4 FERDINAL M. FERNANDO, MD
ASEAN Health Sector COVID-19 Response: HEAD, HEALTH DIVISION
Continue to Synergise and Scale-up ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT
8 New health initiatives including the
establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public On 12 November 2020, the ASEAN
Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases Leaders during the 37th Summit under
5 Non-health-sector-initiated efforts the Chairmanship of the Socialist
Republic of Viet Nam announced the
3 New cooperation with development partners establishment of the ASEAN Centre
for Public Health Emergencies and
Access to
information
Coordination Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).
with Partners
A
CPHEED will serve as a centre of excellence and regional
Access to resources for Public Health
prevention, detection Emergency hub to strengthen ASEAN’s regional capabilities to prepare
and response coordination for, prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies
frameworks and and emerging diseases.
mechanisms
Aligned with Build capacity The Chairman’s Statement of the 37th ASEAN Summit also emphasised
IHR, Sustainable and mechanism that the ACPHEED will complement the national health sector,
Development Goals,
ASEAN Post-2015 Health national centres for disease control (CDCs), and other regional
Development Agenda platforms relevant to ensuring public health and safety.
The proposal to establish the ACPHEED resulted from the
11 ongoing measures within the ASEAN Health Cluster Feasibility Study on the Establishment of the ASEAN Centre
for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases that was
1. ASEAN Emergency Operation Centre Network for Public supported by the Government of Japan. It was conducted by
Health Emergencies
the implementing agency, McKinsey and Company-Japan,
2. ASEAN Risk Assessment and Risk Communication Centre
3. ASEAN Plus Three Field Epidemiology Training Network; from June to October 2020.
4. Regional Public Health Laboratory Network (under GHSA
through Thailand) Further support from the Government of Japan amounting to 50
5. ASEAN
BioDiaspora Virtual Centre
million US dollars will be committed to the operationalisation of
6. D evelopment of ASEAN Portal for Public Health Emergencies
7. J oint Multi-sectoral Outbreak Investigation and Response ACPHEED in 2021 once a host country among the ASEAN Member
8. G uideline for All Hazards SOP States is chosen. Other Dialogue Partners have pledged similar
9. ARCH Project in Mobilising EMT assistance. Australia, for example, announced a commitment
10. A SEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance
of 21 million Australian dollars to support the ACPHEED.
11. R egional Collaborative Strategy on ASEAN Drug Security
and Self-Reliance
The ACPHEED has undergone numerous consultations among
various key experts from Member States; regional and international
The ASEAN November-December 2020Special Edition 15
Strategic focus pillars and overarchiving themes
MISSION
FURTHER STRENGTHEN ASEAN’S REGIONAL
CAPABILITIES TO PREPARE FOR, DETECT AND RESPOND
TO PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES AND EMERGING DISEASES AS A CENTRE
OF EXCELLENCE AND REGIONAL RESOURCE HUB
PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS DETECTION AND RISK ASSESSMENT RESPONSE INCLUDING
•R egional-level incident For Laboratory Network: RISK COMMUNICATION
management training • Operationalisation of regional • Rapid response mechanism
•N etwork coordination of supply reference laboratory networks • Region-wide risk communication
management • Laboratory training programme process
• E xpansion to sub-regional level • Biosafety and biosecurity • Accumulate best-practice risk
incident management training capability building communication
For Surveillance/Field Epidemiology:
• Standardisation of risk assessment
• Regional-level data infrastructure
•M ulti-database consolidation
• Core analytics capability building
• Data management and sub-
national level field epidemiology
INFORMATION SHARING AND ANALYTICS • Unified information sharing platform
• Standardisation of information shared
CAPABILITY BUILDING • Launching capability training programmes
• Establishment of the sustainable scheme to enhance capability
INNOVATION COORDINATION/ • Network development
SUPPORT (INCLUDING RESEARCH • Sharing and consolidation of R&D information
AND DEVELOPMENT) • Facilitate training in R&D areas
organisations such as Centres for Disease Prevention and Control; noted the final report of the Feasibility Study; the agreed
WHO regional offices; academia; and other subject matter experts. scope of work of the ACPHEED which includes the mission,
The Feasibility Study and its results came from an objective strategic focus pillars, overarching themes, and priority
consultative process as shown in this multi-stakeholder minimum and intermediate capabilities; and the agreed
structure of the Feasibility Study. critical criteria of host country selection. The establishment
of the ACPHEED and relevant recommendations have been
Based on the results and recommendations of the final report of reported to the ASEAN Leaders as well as Japan’s Leader around
the study, the ASEAN Health Sector through the ASEAN Health the time of the 37th ASEAN Summit and its Related Meetings on
Ministers endorsed the establishment of the ACPHEED; 11-15 November 2020.16 Special Edition
Viewpoint:
CHIBA AKIRA
AMBASSADOR, MISSION OF JAPAN TO ASEAN
First of all, I would like to congratulate the ASEAN infections, then expands it by mapping
and cross-referencing.
Secretariat upon the launching of The ASEAN
magazine. It is my honour to join in this issue with “Three Cs” stand for closed spaces,
this interview on a most pressing and important crowded places, and close-contact
Photo Credit: © ASEAN Secretariat/Kusuma Pandu Wijaya
settings. This concept serves as a guideline
subject of healthcare systems. for avoiding situations with high risks of
infection. The cluster-based approach, in
C
particular, the avoidance of “Three Cs” is
an you share with us the Thus, viral infections can be controlled by employed as a core measure to suppress
strengths of Japan’s health containing or preventing such a chain. Japan transmissions of the virus while enabling
system, which enabled your adopted two methods called “retrospective the resumption of social and economic
country to effectively manage the tracing” and the avoidance of “Three Cs.” activities. Additionally, it works as a core
COVID-19 pandemic? What lessons measure to cope with the low winter
can ASEAN and other countries derive “Retrospective tracing” is a contact temperature and to prevent the rapid
from Japan’s experiences in providing tracking technique which, unlike increase of re-infections.
quality and affordable health care? standard methods of tracking the
Ambassador Chiba: At the initial stage, behavior of those infected, identifies At the same time, the active cooperation
Japan realised that COVID-19 is a disease the location of clusters and infection of Japanese citizens plays a pivotal role in
that spreads along with a relatively small sources by identifying patients’ behavior preventing the spread of infections. The
number of expansive transmission chains. and their interactions with people before Government of Japan calls on citizens
The ASEAN November-December 2020Special Edition 17
infectious diseases easily sweep across
national borders, and it is now clear once
again that international cooperation is crucial
to respond to such situations.
During the Special ASEAN Plus Three
Summit on Coronavirus Disease in April
2020, Japan announced to fully support
the establishment of the ASEAN Centre
for Public Health Emergency and
Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).
A Feasibility Study was carried out in
June 2020, followed by the inauguration
event held at the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit
in November 2020. We would like to express
our appreciation for ASEAN’s positive
acceptance and our respect for the
efforts made by all relevant parties
in ASEAN Member States.
We understand that the Centre will
be responsible for the dissemination
and analyses of infectious disease-
related data, human resources
development, as well as research
and development programmes.
Through such efforts, ACPHEED
will develop as a core centre to
tackle infectious diseases and
public health emergencies in
to help reduce the risk of infections by than any other ASEAN country. Under the region, and will become an
categorising “five cases” to be avoided, this programme, efforts have been made institute that contributes to the
namely social gatherings consuming to share knowledge and experience on prevention of future outbreaks
alcohol, lengthy feasts in large groups, the management and administration of of infectious diseases and the
conversations without wearing masks, Japan’s medical insurance system with preparation of effective responses
lodging together in a small limited ASEAN countries in order to respond in public health emergencies.
space, and roaming about, as they increase to the increase in public expenditure
infection risks. Citizen cooperation is so far on medical expenses as a challenge in Japan has contributed approximately
achieved not through coercive measures realising UHC. In addition, the “Project 50 million US dollars to the Japan-ASEAN
but through request and encouragement. for Strengthening the ASEAN Regional Integration Fund (JAIF), which has become
Capacity on Disaster Health Management a major tool through which we support
Globally, half of the world’s population still (ARCH Project)” is implemented in Thailand ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for the
Photo Credit: © ASEAN Secretariat/Kusuma Pandu Wijaya
do not have access to basic health services, in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat establishment of ACPHEED. Based upon
and the situation is worsening due to the and emergency medical institutions in the results of the Feasibility Study, Japan
COVID-19 pandemic, which poses a threat ASEAN countries. This project supports will support the construction of the
to human security. Hence, in order to the creation of a mechanism for Centre, the maintenance of relevant
respond to the global spread of COVID-19, information-sharing among ASEAN goods and equipment, as well as human
it is crucial to focus on achieving universal countries in response to COVID-19. resources development, including
health care (UHC) under the premise experts at the Centre. In addition
of “no one is left behind.” Japan has been a staunch supporter to the contributions to JAIF, Japan
of ASEAN’s initiative to establish the will prepare training and the
From this perspective, Japan is advancing ASEAN Center for Public Health dispatch of experts through the
efforts to promote UHC in Southeast Asia. Emergencies and Emerging Diseases Japan International Cooperation
For example, under the Japan-Thailand (ACPHEED). Why do you think it is Agency (JICA). With such efforts,
Partnership Programme (JTPP), South- important to set this up? And how Japan will continue to provide
South cooperation is vigorously being can Japan support this center? maximum knowledge and expertise,
pursued with Thailand, leading to the Ambassador Chiba: The global spread as well as to provide continuous and
establishment of UHC in Thailand earlier of coronavirus infections proves how full support to ACPHEED.You can also read
