APEC Health Ministers reiterate commitment to sustainable health financing, innovative digital health

Seattle. Health ministers from APEC member economies are strengthening primary health care for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and are seeking to increase investment in public health. Meeting in Seattle against a backdrop of growing threats to people’s well-being and the economy at large, ministers agreed to better prepare and respond to future pandemics and health emergencies through sustainable health financing and innovative digital health. Reiterated its commitment to strengthen the region’s health systems. “Without sustainable funding, we cannot ensure resilient, inclusive and equitable health systems,” said Xavier Becerra, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Who chaired the 13th APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and Economy on Sunday. “Without strong primary care systems, our health systems and people are more vulnerable and less prepared for the next pandemic.” The APEC Healthcare Financing Roadmap reports that average government spending on health in the APEC region has remained below 5 percent over the past two decades, rising slightly from 2.8 percent of GDP in 2000 to 4 percent of GDP in 2017 . Furthermore, out-of-pocket spending on health care nearly doubled between 2003 and 2016, reaching US$400 per person. Nearly one in five people in the APEC region are at risk of falling into extreme poverty as their health care burden increases. Recognizing that governments have competing priorities and limited budgets, the ministers looked at how public and private sector funds can be leveraged together and looked at ways to increase the role of the private sector. They also explored the use of innovative and alternative financing models to deepen the level of coverage provided in APEC economies. Secretary Becerra continued, “Everyone – economies, civil society partners, philanthropy, businesses – must step up to build solutions that can prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics and other biological threats. ” Secretary Becerra called for greater collaboration in exploring digital health opportunities, expanding vaccination programs, treating mental health, and advancing regulatory harmonization. Secretary Becerra urged ministers to deepen their commitment to improving public health, saying, “Let’s take seriously the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, the need for medical supply chain resilience, climate and health, and the intersection of a health and economy.” Consider.” “The healthier people are, the less likely they are to get sick or suffer serious consequences. Let’s move from focusing on the care of illness to prioritizing wellness, Secretary Becerra concluded. “Together, they advance global health security and well-being.” (ANI/WAM)