On 23 September 2022, H.E. Don Pradmudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand attended the COVID-19 Global Action Plan (GAP) for Enhanced Partnership Ministerial Meeting co-hosted by the US, Spain, Botswana and Bangladesh.

The event brought together over 20 countries and international organizations who have worked as partners to enhance international coordination to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen preparedness and response for future health threats.

DPM/FM shared thoughts on how Thailand has contributed to the global collaboration to bolster SDG3 to promote global health security and solidarity.
He conveyed three key messages:

(1) Thailand has worked to improve health equity through Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme to protect everyone’s health in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure equitable access to health services.

(2) Thailand has utilized its resources to train and motivate relevant stakeholders to engage in the pandemic containment process, thus contributing to addressing the global shortfall of health workforce. DPM/FM highlighted in particular two main initiatives: (1) collaboration with neighbouring countries through training of new epidemiologists and migrant worker volunteers to help control the pandemic; and (2) the recent establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) as the centre of excellence and regional hub to strengthen regional capabilities to prevent, prepare, detect, and response to emerging health emergencies.

(3) Thailand reiterates its commitment to bolster supply chain resilience while continuing its efforts to get the SDGs back on track. DPM/FM underscored the development of stockpiles of health products, with an emphasis on sustainability through the use of renewable energy and waste recycling.

This event provided a platform for Thailand to reiterate the importance of reforming the Global Health Architecture for more equity, more inclusivity and more coherence, especially through finalizing a new treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response under WHO.