Vientiane, August 8, 2024 — On Thursday evening, Prof. Chheang Ra, Cambodia’s Minister of Health, led a delegation to participate in the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Finance and Health Ministers, held under the theme “Strategies for Strengthening Financial Cooperation and Health to Promote a Sustainable Healthcare Financing System.” The meeting, co-organized by the ASEAN Secretariat, aimed to enhance collaboration between the finance and health sectors to improve health outcomes and bolster the resilience of regional and global health systems against emerging health threats.
The gathering brought together Health and Finance Ministers from the 10 ASEAN member states, as well as representatives from Timor-Leste, with participation both in-person and via virtual platforms. The event took place in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and coincided with the 16th ASEAN Health Ministers' Meeting and related sessions. These meetings reaffirmed ASEAN's commitment to advancing key strategies that support healthcare financing and improve health across the region.
Representing Cambodia, Prof. Chheang Ra delivered remarks on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, emphasizing the Royal Government of Cambodia’s prioritization of the health sector. He highlighted Cambodia's focus on social health protection as a crucial element in human resource development, aligning with the third pillar of the Royal Government’s pentagon strategy, which aims to promote the well-being and health of the people under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Manet.
Key outcomes from the meeting include:
1. Establishment of a Working Group on Financial and Health Cooperation: The meeting approved the creation of a working group to facilitate cross-sectoral coordination between the Ministries of Finance and Health within ASEAN member states.
2. Addressing Financial and Health Intersections: The working group was tasked with discussing and resolving issues at the intersection of financial considerations and health outcomes. This includes recognizing the interaction between these sectors in promoting public health and well-being, and encouraging the exchange of experiences and best practices.
3. Regional Understanding and Health Risk Solutions: There was a consensus on the need to enhance regional understanding and seek effective solutions to health risks and financing challenges.
4. Collaboration with International Stakeholders: The meeting underscored the importance of increasing cooperation with international stakeholders, including dialogue and development partners, civil society, and the private sector, to strengthen regional capacity in building a healthy and caring ASEAN community.
5. Annual ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Finance and Health (AFHMM): The working group was assigned to organize the AFHMM annually. This meeting will rotate its chairmanship between the Ministers of Finance and Health and will be co-chaired by the ASEAN Chairmanship, facilitating ongoing cooperation between the two sectors.
This meeting marks a significant step forward in ASEAN's efforts to integrate financial and health strategies, ensuring a sustainable and resilient healthcare system across the region.
