Noting the interconnectedness of health and the economy that was demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra released a statement supporting APEC's work to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics and health emergencies.
Read the Chair's Statement
Through his statement, Secretary Becerra highlighted the integral role of health financing, innovative digital health solutions, delivery of health services and readily available primary health care, as well as equitable models of care to healthy people and healthy economies.
The statement also stressed ministers' commitment to continue intensifying work that enhances resilience and sustainability of medical supply chains, supply chain connectivity, last mile delivery, as well as minimizing supply chain disruptions.
Ministers reiterated their commitment to achieving universal health care, including through strengthening health systems and enhancing primary health care to restore access to essential health services, and health security.
Moreover, ministers agreed to increase health equity and address health-related barriers specific to women in the workforce, business and entrepreneurship, such as improving workplace protections, health and safety, and increasing health access and awareness.
Also read: Secretary Becerra: Focus on Wellness will Make Health Systems More Resilient
Watch: Secretary Becerra on Improving Public Health
