Public Health

Overview

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) is an intergovernmental, not-for-profit organisation which brings together the people of Asia and Europe to address common global challenges. It is the only permanent institution of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) political dialogue Process and is publicly funded by voluntary contributions from 53 ASEM Partners.

Public Health is one of ASEF’s seven key thematic areas. In this field, we engage governments, international organisations and civil society to share best practices and lessons learnt on public health issues related to Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs), including pandemic influenza. We facilitate capacity-building and knowledge-sharing platforms related to the pandemic preparedness and response, such as risk communication for public health emergencies and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The outcome of our activities results in policy brief paper and/or publications with recommended solutions for challenges for respective themes to combat future pandemics. We are part of the ASEM Initiative for the Rapid Containment of Pandemic Influenza.

Our Work

Following the 6th ASEM Summit (ASEM6; 2006; Helsinki, Finland) where the leaders expressed their determination to combat avian influenza and a possible human influenza pandemic, the “ASEM Initiative for the Rapid Containment of Pandemic Influenza”, financially supported by the Government of Japan, was launched at the 9th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM FMM9; 2009; Hanoi, Viet Nam). Since then, the two components of the Initiative, ASEM stockpile of anti-viral drugs and personal protective equipment, as well as ASEF Public Health Network (ASEF PHN) have been contributing to strengthening ASEM Partners’ capacity for managing Public Health Emergencies (PHEs).