Regional programme on health focuses on seven priority areas

The second draft of the Medium-Term ASEAN Plan of Collaboration on Health and Nutrition (1998-2002) is now being reviewed by the ASEAN Secretariat with the assistance of an ASEAN expert who had prepared the draft together with ten national experts from the member countries and Cambodia.

The new draft will incorporate suggestions by the National Focal Points for the ASEAN Committee on Health and Nutrition.

Seven priority programme areas have been agreed upon: health and nutrition promotion, child health, communicable diseases control, environmental and occupational health, food and drug safety, the health and medical requirements of the elderly, and helping the disabled.

The Plan aims to assess the health and nutrition situation in ASEAN member countries and Cambodia, to identify common problems and needs in the areas of health and nutrition that should be addressed at the regional level and to develop strategies and programs in selected priority areas.

The Plan also involves the development of a list of regional programmes and projects for possible implementation on a cost-sharing basis and for funding and assistance from other sources.

It will also identify possible partnerships in health and nutrition between ASEAN and agencies of the UN System, especially the WHO, and other international and regional agencies and banks, bilateral agencies and international NGOS.