H E. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand,
Excellencies, the ASEAN Plus Three Health Ministers,
Distinguished Representatives of the International Organisations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Last week, we all woke up to a world threatened by an influenza virus capable of causing massive human deaths.  It was a stark reminder of our SARS experience in 2003, a wake up call to remind us that we remain vulnerable to pandemic threats and garner the call to unity for continued vigilance in protecting our region from any disease threat.

In the past few days, governments and health authorities around the world went on high alert due to outbreaks of Influenza A (H1N1).  With several human deaths confirmed in various countries, the World Health Organisation declared this situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).  In a matter of days, WHO raised the level of pandemic alert from Phase 3 to Phase 5.  The quick progression on the spread of this virus and the increased global movement of peoples are strong signals that a pandemic could be imminent.

Though we have shown our resolve that our health systems remain capable of containing the spread of the disease, this is NOT the time to be complacent. We cannot afford to let our guards down. A pandemic remains a formidable challenge to our region.

The rapid change of events necessitates immediate and effective measures, both at the national and regional levels.  I am pleased that our shared recognition for collective action brought us all together here in Bangkok for the ASEAN Plus Three Health Ministers Special Meeting on Influenza A (H1N1). Our united and concerted actions would ensure that the health care system in our region is fully prepared to contain any potential disease outbreaks.

The quick reaction and prevention mechanisms put in place by individual countries to intensify disease surveillance have demonstrated to the world that our region is better prepared for the crisis.  Our ASEAN Leaders took no time in calling this Ministerial Meeting as a demonstration of strong political will to protect our people.

To ensure the delivery of the necessary services to our people, I humbly urge the Heads of Governments of ASEAN Plus Three Countries to provide adequate resources for their Health Ministries to respond effectively to the potential Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic.  I also humbly call on other countries outside ASEAN to show similar resolve and commitment in addressing this crisis and other public health threats.

As we agree on the various public health measures, I encourage you all to put our PEOPLE at the HEART of ALL our STRATEGIES.  Let us put people’s well-being at the top of our priority list as we continue to promote an ongoing partnership with our public through continuous dialogue and community participation.

I also call on relevant sectors and ministries to collaborate in intensifying our risk communication and public awareness campaigns so our local communities are empowered to take the necessary precautionary hygiene and personal protection measures.

I believe that the best way to inspire public resilience in the face of this challenge is through the involvement of our local communities and our meaningful cooperation with the relevant sectors in the delivery of basic economic and social services.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Samdech Decho HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia for his initiative; and to H.E. Abbhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand for graciously agreeing to host this Health Ministers Special Meeting.

I thank H.E. Dr. Francisco T. Duque III, Secretary of Health of the Republic of the Philippines for chairing the Meeting, in his capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting.

I want to express my appreciation to the World Health Organization, the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Bank for the very useful discussion yesterday with our senior officials, via videoconference.

We also recognise AusAID and USAID for their support to ASEAN in our emerging infectious diseases programme and pandemic preparedness.

Allow me also to thank the Plus Three countries -- China, Japan and Korea -- for being here together with us in our times of need.  Our gratitude also goes to Japan for making available for ASEAN 500,000 courses of antivirals (Tamiflu) in stockpile and another 500,000 courses already distributed to Member States, as well as Personal Protective Equipment for 750,000 people.

Finally, let me affirm that in the face of a pandemic threat, we, in the ASEAN region, are committed to the realisation of the ASEAN Charter towards building a caring and sharing community, through helping one another, ensuring peace and prosperity, and protecting the people of our region and of our neighbours.

Thank you very much.