Health officials from across the Asia-Pacific are meeting in Incheon this week to align policy efforts on aging, climate resilience, and digital transformation, three critical challenges that are reshaping health systems and societies across the region.
Held in Songdo, Incheon, a city that has evolved into a global hub for vaccine manufacturing and digital health, the meeting included policy discussions on digital health, one health strategies, community-based integrated care and mental health support across life stages.
"It is especially meaningful to discuss these pressing health challenges here in Incheon, the starting point of Korea's global exchange," said Jeong Eun-Kyeong, Minister of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea, in her opening remarks, noting the city's transformation and growing role in international health cooperation.
"This meeting will serve as a great opportunity to share our efforts to address rapid health environment changes while directly shaping the path toward healthier and more resilient societies across the region," Minister Jeong added. "These efforts will contribute to meaningful outcomes at the APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy in Seoul this September."
Discussions emphasized the urgent need to build regionally integrated, community-based care systems to meet the demands of aging populations and rising rates of chronic disease.
Delegates also discussed policy frameworks for sustainable financing and the role of local governance in strengthening frontline health services.
Another focus explored ways to advance health equity, promote mental health support across life stages and improve policy alignment for noncommunicable disease management and cancer prevention.
The meeting also included a focused session on One Health-a collaborative, multisectoral strategy that links human, animal and environmental health to better prevent and manage emerging health threats-highlighting its importance in tackling zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and climate-linked health threats.
Discussions covered the operationalization of the One Health Joint Plan of Action and the importance of monitoring and evaluation systems, cross-sectoral collaboration and integrated, multisectoral response system.
"The Health Working Group remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as we respond to regional health challenges," concluded Dr Victor Yosef Melt Campos, Chair of the APEC Health Working Group. "By integrating perspectives from across ministries and sectors, we are building a shared foundation for inclusive, evidence-based health systems that can adapt and respond to future shocks."
