Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research (DOST-PCHRD) Executive Director, and  co-lead of the ASEAN Diagnostics (ASEAN Dxl) Initiative, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya discussed four key areas to improve diagnostics accessibility in a webinar organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) last 16 May 2024.

Dr. Yuan Lu Ho of Singapore’s Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub) delivers DOST-PCHRD Executive Director’s keynote speech during the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC)

The webinar entitled, “Southeast Asia in the Strengthening Diagnostic Capacity: Implementing the WHA Resolution on Diagnostics Capacity in ASEAN?” delved into conversations on the recent historic milestone achieved at the 76th World Health Assembly with the adoption of a Resolution on strengthening diagnostics capacity.

In his keynote address delivered by Dr. Yuan Lu Ho of Singapore’s Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub), Dr. Montoya, highlighted how working together can improve access to diagnostics and build a more engaging healthcare system across the ASEAN region. 

The first key area is streamlining regulatory-focused frameworks. Dr. Montoya explained that improved regulatory frameworks can expedite the approval process for diagnostics, bringing life-saving tests for people faster. Standardized development and evaluation procedures will ensure the quality and safety of the tests building trust within communities. In addition, Dr. Montoya emphasized that a pre-market validation system with a centralized data-sharing platform can revolutionize how diagnostics are assessed across the region.

Second, product development and quality assurance are required, as well as having a network of strategically placed laboratories throughout ASEAN. Dr. Montoya expounded that these laboratories may share resources like qualified biological samples and performance databases, accelerating the development of diagnostics tailored precisely to the region’s needs.

Third, strengthening diagnostics capacity building is of utmost importance. Dr. Montoya said that it would not only empower the development of ASEAN-specific diagnostics, but also improve diagnostics capacity within the region as a whole, as this could be achieved through establishing a regional manufacturing facility for materials.

Lastly, Dr. Montoya emphasized that communicating with public health officials and policymakers, and establishing a dedicated regional committee on diagnostics, would facilitate ongoing multi-sectoral dialogue between scientific communities, policymakers, and government officials. This would help encourage partnerships and advocate for increased investment in diagnostics across ASEAN.

In closing, Dr. Montoya emphasized the importance of collaboration to maximize the potential of diagnostics for a healthier future in ASEAN. He said, “Together, we can transform the Southeast Asian region where timely and accurate diagnoses empower healthcare professionals and patients, leading to a brighter and healthier future for all.” 

The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) represents European business entities and organizations in the ASEAN region. The Council was established to help promote the interests of European businesses operating within ASEAN and to advocate for changes in policies and regulations which would help promote trade and investment between Europe and the ASEAN region. 

The ASEAN Dx Initiative (ASEAN DxI) is a regional collaboration platform co-led by the DOST-PCHRD and Singapore’s DxD Hub to facilitate the co-development and adoption of healthcare diagnostics solutions for unmet clinical needs across ASEAN Member States.