Prime Highlights
- Health leaders from South Korea, China, and Japan agreed to collaborate on universal health coverage, mental health, and the use of AI and digital technologies to expand access to care.
- The ministers emphasized the importance of supporting ageing populations and strengthening healthcare systems beyond infectious disease control.
Key Facts
- The agreement was reached at the 18th Tripartite Health Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, attended by senior health officials from all three countries.
- Countries will focus on suicide prevention, early identification of high-risk groups, and using digital tools to tackle anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social isolation.
Background
Health leaders from South Korea, China, and Japan agreed to work together on healthcare, focusing on universal health coverage and mental health. They also highlighted how artificial intelligence and digital technologies can help more people access medical services in the region.
The decision was made at the 18th Tripartite Health Ministers’ Meeting, a two-day dialogue held in Seoul, according to South Korea’s health ministry. The meeting brought together South Korean Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong, Japanese Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno and Feng Yong, Director General for International Cooperation at China’s National Health Commission.
During the talks, the ministers agreed to work together to expand access to essential healthcare by using AI-based systems, telemedicine, and digital health platforms. They also committed to sharing best practices on how these tools can be used within each country’s healthcare system.
All three countries face ageing populations. To tackle this, the ministers agreed to use care models that combine medical treatment with long-term support to help older adults.
Countries focused on mental health. They agreed to strengthen suicide prevention at every stage of life, spot high-risk groups early, and use more digital tools to help and support people. They also promised to tackle anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social isolation.
The ministers said the COVID-19 pandemic showed that health systems need to be strong and resilient. They stressed the importance of continued cooperation beyond infectious disease control, including healthy ageing and mental health promotion.
On the sidelines of the meeting, bilateral talks were held with China, Japan, and the World Health Organisation’s Western Pacific Regional Office. The upcoming meeting is scheduled to be held in China next year.
