An opening ceremony of the Eighth ASEAN Health Cluster-1 Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Meeting was held at Horizon Lake View Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw with a hybrid system yesterday morning.

During the event, Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win said that since non-communicable diseases are recognized as a significant public health priority, they are considered essential processes in the health sector.

He said that non-communicable disease treatment clinics are being opened in rural areas to prevent and treat non-communicable diseases, and he highlighted the importance of mental health as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of tobacco and tobacco control, he stressed that Myanmar is the third country among ASEAN countries to apply packaging patterns in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization. In order to implement the ASEAN Post-2015 Health Development Process 2021-2025 and the work plans of the ASEAN Health Clusters, it is necessary to speed up efforts using health resources in order to catch up with the time and speed lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He acknowledged and recorded that the ASEAN health sector is truly valuing and changing the way of life of the people of ASEAN and responding to the rapidly changing needs and challenges of the region.

Furthermore, the Union minister said that after reviewing the completed activities for ASEAN Health Sector development, Myanmar will strengthen the activities to promote healthy lifestyles.

Representatives from ASEAN countries then discussed the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, tobacco use, drinking control, occupational safety, healthcare for workers, mental health, elderly health, nutrition development and healthy food choices.

The meeting, chaired by the director-general of the Public Health Department, the Ministry of Health of Myanmar, will continue till 13 June. — MNA/KZL

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