Improving emergency preparedness and response in the Asia-Pacific

Addressing regional health security threats require functional health systems that have integrated surveillance and response capacity, as specified by the International Health Regulations (IHR). Country-level IHR implementation is often suboptimal with limited intra-regional and inter-regional coordination and collaboration. Joint external evaluations provide multidimensional country-level assessments, but human and animal disease surveillance data are poorly integrated and subnational vulnerability is rarely considered. Retaining political commitment in between outbreaks/disasters requires better informed leadership and recognition of Health Security as a standing priority. Weak health systems require increased domestic investment, coordinated international assistance and a commitment to universal health coverage, including investment in quality-assured laboratory infrastructure and reporting systems.