The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of well-prepared and resilient health systems that can effectively respond to public health emergencies. In 2023, member states endorsed the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF) which aims to involve various sectors in enhancing health security and addressing the complex challenges posed by current and future public health emergencies.
The APHSAF is designed to promote collaboration among multiple sectors in addressing health security challenges and preparing for public health emergencies. By incorporating the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the framework offers a holistic and proactive approach to managing health security threats. It emphasizes the importance of building resilience and capacity within health systems to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure the well-being of populations in the Asia Pacific region.
Through the APHSAF, countries in the Asia Pacific region can work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and universal health coverage by strengthening their health systems and enhancing their capacity to respond to health security threats. By focusing on prevention, preparedness, detection, response, and recovery, the framework aims to address the diverse challenges posed by public health emergencies and ensure that health systems are equipped to protect and promote the health of communities. By implementing this framework, countries can enhance their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health security threats while building a resilient and sustainable healthcare system that can effectively address public
