BANGKOK (Aug 27): The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies recognised the need to develop a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response to strengthen the International Health Regulations (2005). “HLM12 reaffirmed the importance of immunisation programmes as the most cost-effective public health measures, which have direct impacts on economic benefits and growth in our region,” it said. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the two-day HLM12 meeting that concluded on Friday. The statement said APEC member economies are committed to improve health and well-being, aiming to promote trade, inclusive growth and development in the APEC region and to increase their investment in health security and health system. The APEC economies also reaffirmed their commitment to better prepare for future pandemics and other health threats and to achieve and maintain universal health coverage.

Source: The Edge Markets August 27, 2022 11:47 UTC