SPECIAL MEETING OF ASEAN + 3 MINISTERS OF HEALTH ON INFLUENZA A (H1N1), 7 -8 MAY 2009, BANGKOK

Special Meeting of ASEAN + 3 Ministers of HeALTH on Influenza A (H1N1), 7 -8 May 2009, Bangkok

The Thai Government had successfully organised the Special Meeting of ASEAN + 3 Ministers of Health on Influenza A (H1N1) from 7 -8 May 2009 in Bangkok. The meeting was inaugurated by H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand. It was preceded by SOM on 7 May 2009 before the results of the discussions of SOM on Draft Joint Ministerial Statement was adopted by the Ministers. The delegation of Malaysia was led by YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Health who came with his two very able senior officials from the Disease Control Division as well as from the Institute of Medical Research.

2.         Throughout the two-day discussions, it was apparent that all parties recognised the real threat posed by this new virus which called for unity among the participating countries in addressing the issue. Without a doubt, the concerted action shown by ASEAN + 3 leaders in organising this special meeting bodes well with the spirit of ASEAN itself in creating a sharing and caring society premised on the cardinal principle of ASEAN in establishing a people-centred society.

3.         The Special Meeting had produced positive results whereby all participating countries had agreed to strengthen the existing regional cooperation and expanded it to international level in tandem with the nature of the threat. While ASEAN + 3 countries were well prepared to face A H1N1, all parties were urged not to fall into the trap of complacency.

4.         YB Dato’Sri Liow Tiong Lai was personally delighted with the outcome of the meeting and was confident that the proactive and collective actions by ASEAN + 3 would bring the desired results. However, further collaboration needs to be strategised in the wake of the threat posed by the possible second wave of the virus.

Malawakil Bangkok

8 May 2009