Future Pandemics: Transnational Health Challenges in East and Southeast Asia

Abstract

For decades, East and Southeast Asia have experienced repeated threats from outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases that have contributed to widespread human suffering and death at the global level. The SARS epidemic and highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza provide just two recent examples of disease outbreaks that have threatened regional and global health security. This chapter describes three key lessons learnt from responding to adverse disease events: first, ensuring clear governance structures for command, control, and coordination; second, maintaining a flexible approach in executing policy interventions and mobilising resources; and third, providing critically important information in crisis communication to target populations. We further examine transnational health challenges from possible pandemics originating in this region. These challenges stem from health and socio-economic disparities, lack of capacity to respond, and lack of trust among countries. We provide recommendations for the region to prepare for and respond to future pandemics more effectively.

Keywords: Pandemics, East Asia, South-East Asia, SARS, H5N1

JEL Classification: D83, H83, L31, Q34