Summary: In recent years, ASEAN has increasingly recognized the importance of adopting the One Health approach. The launch of the ASEAN One Health Network (AOHN) in June 2024, alongside the development of the ASEAN One Health Joint Plan of Action (ASEAN OH-JPA), represents significant steps toward enhancing preparedness for Public Health Emergencies (PHE) and disaster events among ASEAN Member States (AMS). To effectively address these challenges, it is essential to leverage existing governance capacities and resources through collaborative efforts. A comprehensive understanding of ASEAN’s objectives is crucial for the successful implementation of the Network in bolstering future PHE preparedness. This report, derived from a policy brief, aimed to elucidate ASEAN’s intentions and prioritize its strategic initiatives. This policy brief was developed based on the experts’ insights, qualitative data from responses from 10 AMS, and literature review studies. The three presenting experts were academicians, researchers, and practitioners. After the presentation session, one key question was given to the AMS: “How will your country or our region adapt for better future preparation?” and “What is ASEAN’s role in the future preparation of PHE responses?” The key messages and recommendations include (1) strengthening the integration of the ASEAN Coordinating Council and related platforms and networks for PHE and natural disaster management, (2) promoting regional knowledge management within the One Health Approach, and (3) initiating capacity-building efforts through collaborative drills for PHE and Public Health in Disasters. As a conclusion, the insights and frameworks presented by the speakers have inspired ten AMS to further clarify the One Health network within ASEAN (AOHN), emphasizing the need for improved technical capacity building through collaborative drills, as well as enhancing information-sharing mechanisms and coordination for the implementation of One Health among the ten AMS in the context of the ASEAN OH-JPA.
Ariani et al. (Sun,) studied this question.