The 42nd ASEAN Summit highlighted four cooperation priorities, including strengthening the healthcare architecture through the One Health approach, the ministry's Assistant Deputy for Healthcare Services Improvement Nia Reviani said on Wednesday.
The One Health Initiative declaration is one of Indonesia's priority initiatives under the ASEAN social and cultural pillar, she added.
"This step is important to strengthen the regional healthcare architecture in ASEAN. Multisectoral cooperation, networking, and coordination within the framework of One Health are a strong commitment to facing common health issues in ASEAN," Reviani said.
The ministry official also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences, knowledge, and progress in implementing One Health among ASEAN members.
"This collaboration involves public participation and coordination between the government, non-governmental entities, and international development partners, which will be key to maintaining the continuity of the One Health approach," Reviani explained.
The coordinating ministry also lauds the intensive efforts and collaborations undertaken by related sectors in ASEAN member states in drafting the One Health Initiative declaration, she added.
Meanwhile, to support the One Health Initiative, she said her side is committed to taking concrete actions and cooperating with ASEAN members in various aspects, including identifying zoonoses pathogens.
"In this case, an expert team will be involved, and cooperation with the relevant sectors will be enhanced to ensure early detection and appropriate response," she added.
Research and development, primarily those relevant to the One Health Initiative, will be prioritized, she said, adding that collective efforts to prevent and respond to outbreaks and potential pandemics will also be enhanced.
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Translator: Wuryanti P, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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