Background

The Asia Pacific region is considered by public health experts to be an epicenter for emerging infectious diseases. It was the site of recent outbreaks of novel zoonotic and vector-borne diseases such as the Nipah virus and SARS, and remains the location for outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as dengue and malaria. The rapid economic growth and increased cross border trade in both goods and services throughout the region further contributes to the emergence and rapid spread of disease.

Though no one can predict the onset of a pandemic, experience has provided valuable lessons on the potential economic, social, and health implications that affected populations in Asia and the Pacific face following a disruptive health event. Together the public and private sector can help to determine the economic outcomes in advance through collaborative preparedness planning and coordination at the regional level. Through working to mitigate risks before the onset of a pandemic or other health crisis, the public and private sector ensure health security as a regional public good. It is thus crucial that not only national, but also regional, health systems are strengthened throughout Asia and the Pacific.

Objectives

The event will bring together key stakeholders from business and the public sector to discuss health security in Asia and the Pacific and the importance of establishing public-private partnerships. As demonstrated by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), avian influenza (H5N1) and pandemic H1N1 influenza, effective pandemic preparedness and response requires a coordinated, global effort. With each stakeholder group leveraging their respective networks, experience and expertise, innovative approaches and solutions to new and emerging challenges of health security can be explored and addressed.

Expected outputs

• ARROW case studies on planning, evaluation, and validation

Target participants

Participation is by invitation only, consisting of high-level participants from the business sector.*

Organizers

Asian Development Bank and the World Health Organization

Resource speakers

Logistics

* Other organizations that are interested to participate may email the organizers.

• Asian Development Bank
• Bank of China
• Credit Suisse
• Panasonic
• World Health Organization
• Other Business Leaders
• Financial Analysts
• Public Health Experts