WHO Eyes Expansion of South-East Asia Health Fund

The World Health Organization and its member states on Thursday discussed expanding and strengthening the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to ensure faster access to critical support during health emergencies.

The move comes as climate-related disasters, disease outbreaks and other health emergencies become increasingly frequent and complex across South-East Asia.

“Health emergencies are becoming more frequent, more complex and more costly. Countries need rapid, flexible financing that can be mobilised immediately when lives are at risk,” said Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of WHO’s South-East Asia Region.

She made the remarks while addressing the 15th meeting of the Working Group on the Governance of SEARHEF.

“SEARHEF represents regional solidarity in action, enabling member states to support one another when emergencies strike,” she added.

Established in 2008 following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, SEARHEF has become the region’s flagship emergency financing mechanism.

Since its launch, the fund has supported 51 emergencies across 10 member states, disbursing more than $8.2 million for emergency response while also strengthening preparedness through investments in emergency operations centres, rapid response teams and regional emergency stockpiles.

During the virtual meeting, organised by WHO’s Regional Office for South-East Asia, member states reviewed the fund’s progress and discussed a resource mobilisation strategy aimed at ensuring sustainable financing for future emergencies.

The strategy includes broadening the donor base through greater engagement with philanthropic organisations, development partners and the private sector. It also seeks to encourage in-kind contributions by leveraging the region’s manufacturing, logistics and technical expertise.

The working group’s recommendations will be reviewed further at the 79th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia in September.

Strengthening SEARHEF remains part of broader efforts by WHO and member states to improve regional health emergency preparedness and ensure timely financial and operational support during crises to protect lives.