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From July 1 to 5, representatives from the Ministry of Health of Timor-Leste shared and discussed with representatives from ASEAN member states in Vientiane, Laos, the expansion and strengthening of national disease prevention, preparedness, detection and response efforts. 
The 18th ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Health Development (SOMHD) focused on outstanding issues that need to be agreed upon by ASEAN, ASEAN+3 and ASEAN-China countries.
ASEAN’s rapid growth and change have created challenges for member countries’ healthcare systems, including overpopulation, pollution and environmental health issues. Poverty remains an important determinant of health status, especially for marginalized and vulnerable groups, including those living in remote, isolated, mountainous and island communities or in resource-poor areas. 
Officials agreed to convene an ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting to develop policies and strategic directions to enable the region to effectively respond to new developments and possible scenarios. They also stressed the importance of international cooperation.
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