In Vientiane, member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit will discuss scaled-up and intensified national disease prevention measures.

Representatives of the member countries will also discuss preparedness, detection, and response measures at the 18th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development (SOMHD), which began on July 1 and will last until July 5.

According to the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health, the meeting report was on the achievements to date and pending issues that need to be agreed in the field of health among ASEAN countries, ASEAN Plus Three, and ASEAN-China.

Rapid growth and changes in ASEAN pose challenges to the health systems of its member states.

According to the report, communities are faced with overpopulation, pollution, and environmental health problems.

Poverty remains an important determinant of health status, especially for marginalised and vulnerable groups, including those living in remote, isolated, mountainous, island communities or resource-poor areas.

Senior health officials agreed to convene the ASEAN Health Ministers conference to outline enhanced policy and strategic directions.

That will enable the ASEAN region to respond effectively to new developments and possible scenarios.

ASEAN health officials have also stressed the importance of international cooperation. 

(Xinhua/NAN)