The Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), Arsjad Rasjid, reaffirms his commitment to enhance Healthcare Resilience throughout the ASEAN region. World Hepatitis Day provides a platform to mobilize a call to action in eradicating hepatitis, one of the primary public health threats worldwide.

This year's theme, "One Live, One Liver," highlights the critical role of the liver in human health, which can be jeopardized by hepatitis infections. Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one million people die each year worldwide from hepatitis-related diseases, and one chronic infection occurs every ten seconds globally. WHO also estimates that around 125 million people live with chronic hepatitis, leading to severe health consequences if left untreated.

“The Hepatitis virus affects millions of people in the ASEAN region. Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) for the year 2019 specifically reveals that Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam are among the top three countries with the highest death rates due to this virus. Indonesia reported 2.14 per 100,000 population, followed by Cambodia with 1.87 and Vietnam with 0.7," said Arsjad.

As for the other eight ASEAN countries, namely Cambodia, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore, their death rates are less than 1 per 100,000 population. Therefore, ASEAN-BAC has been working to devise concrete solutions to inspire commitment at the ASEAN regional level, building a healthier and more resilient future for everyone.

Arsjad added that the key to achieving this goal is to foster larger public-private partnerships in the ASEAN healthcare sector. By addressing significant health challenges and prioritizing Healthcare Resilience, ASEAN-BAC aims to promote a thriving business environment that safeguards the health and well-being of ASEAN citizens.

"We have learned many lessons during the past pandemic, and one of the priorities is healthcare infrastructure. That's why ASEAN-BAC has made Healthcare Resilience one of the top issues. On the regional front, Indonesia has also passed the Omnibus Health Reform Law. With this law, Indonesia is ready to open up to investments in research and development, new market development, and manufacturing, as well as enhancing services in the healthcare sector," Arsjad stated.

Shuhaela Haqim, ASEAN-BAC Health Working Group Policy Manager, emphasized that the key to achieving healthcare resilience lies in stronger regional collaborations, robust healthcare systems, and increased investment in research and innovation (R&D).

"We need a systematic and integrated approach to reduce hepatitis in the ASEAN region. By identifying key areas for collaboration, healthcare systems, and investments in R&D, ASEAN can build stronger capabilities to address health challenges and protect the well-being of hundreds of millions of people in the ASEAN region," said Suhaela, who is also the Country Director for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

ASEAN-BAC Supports Companies Driving Healthcare Resilience through ASEAN Business Awards 2023

The commitment of ASEAN-BAC to strengthen healthcare resilience in the region is further reflected in the ASEAN Business Awards 2023 or ABA 2023. This prestigious event, organized by ASEAN-BAC, plays a significant role in promoting Healthcare Resilience through two special categories: Health Innovation and Corporate Health Achievement. These categories recognize companies that have demonstrated outstanding commitment and contributions to advancing health and well-being in the ASEAN region.

The Health Innovation category celebrates initiatives, products, or technological breakthroughs that have made significant contributions to improving healthcare and disease management in ASEAN. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize healthcare systems, improve access to treatments, and empower communities to lead healthier lives. On World Hepatitis Day, ASEAN-BAC encourages companies to invest in research and development of new solutions to tackle hepatitis viruses and other health challenges in the region.

The Corporate Health Achievement category acknowledges companies that have made exceptional efforts in prioritizing employee well-being and creating a healthy work environment. This category plays a vital role for the private sector in promoting a culture of health within organizations. Through their dedication to employee health, these companies inspire others to adopt health-oriented policies and initiatives, creating a positive domino effect that benefits society at large.

Various companies such as PT Astra International Tbk., Indika Energy, Sinar Mas, Bakrie Group, East Ventures, Indofood, Mayora Group, and MRT Jakarta have implemented business practices that prioritize the well-being, safety, and health of their employees and consumers.

Sinar Mas, for example, reinforces its commitment to ensure employee health and fair access to healthcare through Sinar Mas Insurance. "We instill a caring culture by offering comprehensive health benefits and support for mental health. Sinar Mas Insurance also strives to strengthen healthcare infrastructure by providing affordable health insurance for the entire community," said Howen Widjaja, Chief Executive Officer of Sinar Mas Insurance.

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