Clarkfield, Pampanga — Members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have renewed their commitment in achieving a “Healthy Asia-Pacific” vision come 2020 through holistic approach and improved and sustainable health systems in Asia Pacific countries.

Speaking during the APEC Health Working Group (HWG) meeting held at Oxford Hotel, Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin said the 2020 initiative stresses “a holistic, health in all policies, whole of government, and whole of society approach to the development of high-performing and sustainable health systems.”

“The global community has long recognized the contribution of improved health, particularly through prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in ensuring progress across the three pillars of economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection,” said Garin.

“We agree that mental disorders, another form of NCD, deserve the recognition in the APEC Ministerial and Economic Leaders’ Declaration. Noteworthy is the importance of integrating the efforts of the public and private sector for innovative and creative solutions to this growing global burden,” she emphasized.

Garin also cited emerging infectious diseases such as MERS CoV and Ebola Virus as well as antimicrobial resistance as continued threats to Asia-Pacific health.

“With renewed interest on health, we hope that our collective efforts help put a strong foothold of health in economic and trade discussions which are usually prioritized in APEC,” the health secretary said.

HWG is among the ongoing related technical meetings in Clark and Subic Freeports in line with the 1st Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1).