UK joins hands with ASEAN to mitigate health threats in Southeast Asia: British Embassy in Vietnam
WVR - On July 4, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Kingdom officially launched the ASEAN–UK Health Security Partnership (HSP). This five-year initiative aims to strengthen Southeast Asia’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats.
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| UK joins hands with ASEAN to mitigate health threats in Southeast Asia: British Embassy in Vietnam. (Photo: British Embassy in Vietnam) |
Funded by the UK Government, the HSP will provide financial support for projects across ASEAN to improve healthcare systems, enhance access to health services, and boost the region’s ability to respond to emerging threats, including the health impacts of climate change.
The HSP will also connect experts from ASEAN institutions with counterparts around the world—including the UK—to exchange knowledge and co-develop innovative solutions.
The third component of the program involves collaboration with four United Nations agencies (WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP) to support ASEAN’s "One Health Joint Plan of Action", addressing threats such as antibiotic resistance that require a coordinated and cross-sectoral approach.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, stated: “The HSP is a timely initiative that complements ASEAN’s collective efforts to enhance pandemic preparedness and build resilient healthcare systems. We greatly appreciate the UK’s commitment to meaningful and long-term cooperation with ASEAN.”
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that no country is immune to global health threats. Through this program, the UK is proud to work closely with ASEAN to build long-term resilience and ensure a safer and healthier future for people in the region and around the world.”
By focusing on issues such as pandemic preparedness, emerging diseases, and the recovery capacity of healthcare systems, the HSP will leverage the expertise of both the United Kingdom and ASEAN to tackle shared challenges and address the needs of ASEAN member states.
The launch of this program marks an important milestone under the ASEAN–UK Plan of Action (2022–2026), reinforcing the UK’s role as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner and its continued support for ASEAN’s health cooperation priorities.
