The ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework
Although the COVID-19 pandemic may seem less prominent in public discourse this year, its enduring impacts still resonate today. The swift implementation of restrictive policies, the accelerated shift toward digitalisation, disruptions across economic sectors, and the disproportionate burden on people’s livelihoods all posed global challenges.
ASEAN’s comprehensive efforts to address the multidimensional impacts of the pandemic shine a light on ASEAN’s resilience. The region has shown a remarkable ability to rebound from adversity in the face of the most severe crisis of our time.
ASEAN’s proactive approach to public health is exemplified by its robust vaccination campaign, with nearly 73 percent of the population fully vaccinated by 2023. Moreover, initiatives such as the ASEAN COVID-19 Genomics Project enabled early detection of virus mutations, anticipating their impact on rapid vaccination efforts. Most importantly, establishing the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) as part of the ACRF’s initiatives further reinforces the region’s long-term capacity to respond to future health crises.
Read more details about the framework in The ASEAN Magazine: Issue 37 page 20.
The Feasibility Study and Detailed Design and Preparation Support for ACPHEED, which were implemented in 2020 and 2021, respectively, are supported through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).
