EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Southeast Asia has frequently encountered outbreaks of infectious diseases in the last few years, including the Nipah virus, the H1N1 virus, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASEAN’s geographical position and the unique interaction between the epidemiological triad relating to infectious diseases emergence in the region contribute to the development of non-healthrelated (e.g., population growth and climate change) and health-related risks (e.g., human susceptibility to infection and microbial evolution).
If not appropriately intervened upon, risks could transform into a full-fledged Public Health Emergency of Concern, impacting regional health security and affecting various non-health sectors (e.g., economic instability).
This policy brief suggests that ASEAN and its member countries improve public health preparedness and measures while accounting for ASEAN Member State’s unique needs and challenges persisting in the region (e.g., political and infrastructure).

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Investing in diverse surveillance systems, such as the whole genomic surveillance, health impact assessment, and digital participatory surveillance, to enhance intelligent surveillance in the region.
Aligning public health emergency initiatives in ASEAN through ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases to reduce redundancy of efforts and enhance programs’ effectiveness.
Maintaining and increasing commitment to public health emergency measures even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building and optimizing big data and information-sharing systems at the regional level.