ACCESS Health International had the privilege to co-host and a high-level side meeting on “Improving Access to Medicines in Southeast Asia: Collaborative Pathways Forward” as part of the World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting 2025, held for the first time in India. The session was chaired by Dr. N. Krishna Reddy, CEO of ACCESS Health International, and convened under the aegis of the Southeast Asia Access to Medicines Working Group, comprising Takeda Pharmaceuticals, SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, AVPN, and ACCESS Health International.
The discussion spotlighted persistent barriers to medicine access across Southeast Asia—fragmented regulatory frameworks, limited financing mechanisms, and variable levels of community engagement. Against this backdrop, the session delved into actionable pathways for regional collaboration to address these systemic gaps. Emphasis was placed on aligning regulatory approaches, designing innovative and inclusive financing models, and creating frameworks that elevate patient voices in policy development.
Moderated by Mr. Bhawani Maurya of AVPN, the session brought together diverse perspectives from academia, industry, civil society, and philanthropy. Panelists included:
- Prof. Jonas Karlström, SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute
- Ms. Madhavika Bajoria, AVPN
- Ms. Michelle Erwee, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Together, they shared experiences and practical solutions that could serve as a blueprint for regional cooperation in ensuring equitable access to medicines—particularly for underserved populations.
This important dialogue was part of the broader WHS Regional Meeting 2025, which concluded on a high note after three days of dynamic conversations, collaborations, and calls to action. The summit welcomed over 4,500 participants from 54 countries and featured more than 150 sessions covering key themes such as health equity, planetary health, digital health, and resilient health systems.
Held in India for the first time, the Regional Meeting offered a vibrant platform for global health leaders, regional stakeholders, and youth voices to come together and shape a more equitable and sustainable health future. ACCESS Health International is proud to contribute to this shared mission and looks forward to advancing the conversations and partnerships sparked at WHS 2025.