The ASEAN Finance and Health Ministers Meeting (AFHMM) was convened on 8 August 2024
to reaffirm ASEAN commitment to discuss critical steps in enhancing finance and health
collaboration to promote sustainable health care financing systems and improving health
outcomes across the region.
- The meeting recognized the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health
and economies in ASEAN, and are committed to strengthening economic and health
capacities to manage public health emergencies. - The meeting further recognized the important roles of economic growth and stability, and
by leveraging on inter-sectoral actions and strategies, we aim to ensure a healthy, caring
and sustainable ASEAN Community, complementing global health efforts and
strengthening the global health architecture. - The meeting recalled the Joint Statement of the 31st ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
(ASCC) Council on 24 March 2024 which commended the convening of the first AFHMM
as a stepping stone to build closer collaboration between Health and Finance sectors and
looked forward to the convening of the 2nd AFHMM; and the Joint Statement of the 11th
ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) on 5 April
2024 which encouraged officials to further discuss the proposal to convene the 2nd
ASEAN Finance and Health Ministers Meeting. - The meeting adopted the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the establishment of the Working
Group on Finance and Health Collaboration, which will facilitate cross-sectoral
coordination between ASEAN Ministries of Finance and Ministries of Health. - The meeting tasked the Working Group to discuss and seek to address the intersection of
finance and health considerations, recognizing the interconnectedness of these two
sectors in promoting public health and well-being through the exchange of experiences
and best practices, and coordination between Finance and Health sectors.
FINAL - The meeting tasked the Working Group to undertake activities that have additionality to
the existing initiatives under both ASEAN finance and health track, and focus beyond what
each track can individually achieve. The Working Group should focus on harnessing
synergies through collaboration and avoid duplicating activities or mechanisms
undertaken at either track. - The meeting agreed to enhance collaboration and coordination with international
stakeholders, dialogue and development partners, civil society, and the private sector, to
strengthen regional capacity in delivering a healthy, caring and sustainable ASEAN
Community. - The meeting was pleased with the acknowledgement from the WHO, for countries in
accordance with national context and priorities, in recognizing the need for a holistic
approach when making decisions regarding the well-being of people, though WHA
Resolution WHA77.13 which urges on the interlinkage between health and the economy
and include an economy of well-being perspective horizontally into national policies and
put people and their health and well-being at the centre of policy-making and further noted
the WHO investment round to mobilize resources for the next 4 years (2025-2028) to
improve the health of the population and achieve the health-related SDGs. - The meeting was pleased with the good collaboration among Ministers of the two sectors
at AFHMMs on 24 August 2023 and 8 August 2024. To convene an AFHMM, the Working
Group shall discuss and prepare a proposal which will be submitted to seek views and
approval from the Ministers of the AFMGM and AHMM after endorsement from their senior
officials (AFDM and SOMHD). - The Meeting appreciated Lao PDR for the effective Chairmanship and excellent
arrangements for the meeting, and look forward to see the progress of collaboration
between Finance and Health sectors. The Meeting also appreciated Indonesia’s strong
support for the advancement of the initiative.
Download the full statement here
