Bogor– ASEAN member countries have agreed to establish ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) which consists of 3 Centers in 3 different countries, namely Vietnam (Prevention and Preparedness), Indonesia (Detection and Risk Assessment), and Thailand (Response). In preparation for the establishment of ACPHEED in Indonesia, the Ministry of Health and the leadership team collaborated with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) held an activity Benchmarking and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) on 25-29 November 2024.
ACPHEED was initiated during the ASEAN Summit Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) 15 in Bali in May 2022. ACPHEED has a vision to strengthen the capabilities of the ASEAN region as a center of excellence and regional resource center. The mission is in line with the urgent need for ASEAN to strengthen and enhance its capabilities in preparing for, detecting, and responding to public health emergencies and emerging diseases that could become pandemics in the ASEAN region.
Indonesia was appointed as the host of ACPHEED for Risk Detection and Assessment (Detection and Risk Assessment). As a preparatory step, the Ministry of Health formed a teamedership and preparatory with technical and financial support from WHO. The team aims to support Indonesia's role as host of ACPHEED for Risk Detection and Assessment and prepare the organizational and operational foundation of ACPHEED.
Since October 2023, the team has been actively collaborating with WHO SEARO and WHO Indonesia. In addition, the team has also prepared strategic documents such as theories of change, frameworks, work plans and roadmaps.
Recent developments in Indonesia’s preparation to host ACPHEED for Risk Detection and Assessment include the development of a framework, organogram, five-year roadmap and work plan, and theory of change, in collaboration with various partners. In addition, there is also a proposal to conduct consultations on defining the laboratory network and site surveillance components.
To facilitate the proposed implementation of a consultation meeting regarding the definition of laboratory networks and surveillance components, an event was held. Benchmarking and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Benchmarking conducted with regional organizations in the field of disease control (CDC) and related ASEAN institutions and partners, while FGD was conducted to identify the capacity and needs for strengthening the capacity of ASEAN countries and to obtain input for the preparation of a strategic plan.
Head of the Health Development Policy Agency (BKPK) Syarifah Liza Munira, who had the opportunity to open the event, said that this activity brought together leading experts from regional CDCs, ASEAN member countries and partners such as WHO, to share insights on how to advance public health capabilities through collaboration and innovation.
According to Liza, by exploring the structure and strategy of CDC, the ASEAN region can build ACPHEED as a center of excellence and regional resource center, by deepening the understanding of the global landscape and guiding effective operationalization.
"This activity aims to produce a comprehensive document that consolidates shared knowledge and insights, providing a strong foundation for future ACPHEED operations. Discussions will focus on laboratory networks, surveillance, information sharing, analytics, capacity building, and innovation to improve risk detection and assessment," Liza said on Monday (25/11).
On this occasion, Liza also said that Indonesia has developed an interconnected laboratory network consisting of more than 14.000 facilities, including clinical laboratories, public health, hospitals, research, and universities. This network, integrated through the SATUSEHAT Information System, has improved early detection, surveillance, and response capabilities, and provides a model for strengthening regional resilience.
Liza hopes that this meeting will bring positive results for ASEAN's collective efforts in strengthening resilience in dealing with public health emergencies and emerging diseases.
"Let us seize this opportunity to share openly, collaborate fully, and think ambitiously about the future. Working together, we can build a healthier and safer ASEAN, ready to address public health challenges," Liza concluded.
The Benchmarking and FGD activities held in Bogor, West Java invited representatives of the Regional CDC and ASEAN member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat, international organizations, and representatives of related Ministries and Institutions in Indonesia. (Author Kurniatun Karomah/Edit Pusjak KGTK)
