ASEAN bent on advancing healthcare in the region
METRO MANILA – In the field of healthcare, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have but one big thrust – to create “healthy, caring, and sustainable” communities.
Department of Health Spokesperson Lyndon Lee Suy said so on November 11, 2017 in a press briefing at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. On behalf of the Philippines as host country, Suy discussed the ASEAN health-related outcome documents.
Among the key health issues discussed were anti-microbial resistance, disaster management, and total eradication of malnutrition.
Suy said that a considerable portion of the ASEAN population are becoming resistant to antibiotics due to its improper used. However, he clarified that the ASEAN heads of state are not yet thinking of punitive measures against antibiotic abuse.
As for disaster preparedness, the members of the press raised questions about human-induced hazards like insurrection. Suy responded that the Philippine government is prepared to tackle the challenge of insurrection, as witnessed in the siege of Marawi.
Partnering for Change
Suy’s briefing was conducted as part of ASEAN’s series of press engagement. Each press briefing is geared to discuss a major ASEAN document. The ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers was considered a “landmark document” the delegates signed during the summit.
