APEC health ministers commit to strengthen primary health care

SEATTLE, 7 August 2023 - Health ministers from Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation member economies are stronger primary health care for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and seeking to increase investments in public health. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the health systems in Seattle to enhance the regional health system to better prepare and respond to future pandemics and health emergencies through sustainable health financing and innovative digital health. Without sustainable financing, we cannot ensure resilience, inclusive, and equitable health systems, said the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, who chaired the 13th APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy on Sunday. With no primary care systems, our health systems and individuals are more vulnerable and less prepared for the next pandemic. The APEC Healthcare Financing Roadmap reported that average government spending on health in the region of APEC has remained below 5 percent in the last two decades, down only slightly from 2.8 percent of GDP in 2000 to 4 percent of GDP in 2017 as compared to 2000. In 2003 and 2016 alone, out-of-pocket spending on healthcare has almost doubled, reaching around USD 400 per capita. As healthcare costs rise, nearly one in five people in the APEC region are at risk of falling into extreme poverty. Although governments have differing priorities and limited budgets, ministers considered how public and private sector funds could be leveraged together and considered measures to increase the role of the private sector. To expand the coverage offered to APEC economies, they explored the use of innovative and alternative financing models. Everyone-economies, civil society partners, philanthropies, businesses-must step up to build solutions that can prevent, prepare, and respond to future pandemics and other biological threats, Mr. Becerra said. Secretary Becerra called for more cooperation in exploring the potential for digital health, expanding immunization programs, treating mental health, and advancing regulatory harmonization. Let's look seriously at the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, the need for medical supply chain resiliency, the intersection of climate and health, and One Health and the economy, Mr. Becerra said, urging ministers to deepen their commitment to improving public health. The healthier individuals are more likely to get sick or face serious consequences when they do so. Let's move from a focus on illness care to one that prioritizes wellness, Mr. Becerra said. Together, these improvements enhance global health security and well-being.