World Health Organization and Temasek Foundation partnership drives regional action on paediatric medicines across ASEAN countries

The health of children was in focus when Malaysia hosted the inaugural meeting of ASEAN countries under a global World Health Organization (WHO) and Temasek Foundation collaboration on strengthening ecosystems to accelerate access to safe, effective and affordable paediatric medicines and age-appropriate formulations.  

 
Representatives from ASEAN Member States, partners and stakeholders gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the Regional Workshop on Strengthening Paediatric Medicines Ecosystems in ASEAN 

The meeting brought together experts, policy-makers, regulators and partners from ASEAN Member States and beyond to discuss collective challenges and collaboration opportunities in strengthening systems through which medicines for children are developed, regulated, procured, supplied and used.  

“This workshop reflects a shared regional commitment to ensuring children are not overlooked in access to essential medicines,” said Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. “By strengthening existing systems and working together across ASEAN, countries can better respond to children’s specific health needs.” 

 Turning commitment into action 

Despite global progress, nearly 5 million children under the age of five die each year, many from preventable or treatable causes. Quality assured essential medicines for high burden conditions that could save and improve the lives of infants and children are often unavailable, unaffordable or not produced in formulations specifically designed for children. Countries including across Asia face longstanding gaps in availability, affordability and evidence on safe and effective use of child-friendly medicines. This workshop marked the start of the three-year collaboration between WHO and selected ASEAN Member States supported by Temasek Foundation to strengthen paediatric medicines ecosystems across ASEAN countries.  

“Children continue to face major gaps in access to medicines that are specifically formulated for their age and needs,” said Dr Martina Penazzato GAP-f Lead at WHO. “Too often, paediatric formulations become available years after adult medicines. This partnership is about translating global commitments into practical solutions that improve access for children. By aligning priorities and working collectively, countries can accelerate the development and delivery of child-friendly medicines.” 

“Children are not just small adults when it comes to medicines,” said Dr Azuana Binti Ramli, Deputy Director-General of Health (Pharmaceutical Services), Ministry of Health, Malaysia. “Ensuring access to age-appropriate formulations is essential to addressing the unique complexities of paediatric care and achieving better health outcomes for children.” 

From dialogue to solutions 

Over three days, participants from ASEAN Member States, along with international organizations and other partners, worked together to identify key shared challenges, and priority directions for practical solutions towards increasing access to quality medicines for children 

  
Participants mapped and discussed systems for regulation, procurement, delivery and use of paediatric medicines 

Discussions covered the full medicines pathway, from regulation and product development to procurement, supply chains and delivery systems, with a strong focus on innovation and regional collaboration and harmonization. Countries also explored and the availability and use of real-world data to strengthen decision-making and improve outcomes. 

“Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and reach their full potential. Temasek Foundation is pleased to support this initiative and we hope that demonstrated impact in the pilot countries in Southeast Asia will attract new partners and follow-on funding,” said Ms. Usha Viswanathen, Head, Health and Well-being (Covering), Temasek Foundation. “Our aspiration is for this initiative to establish a sustainable framework that can be adopted across Asia and beyond, bringing safe and effective medicines within reach of many more children.” 

A shared vision for children’s health 

The workshop brought together representatives from all ASEAN countries, alongside global and regional partners, to define a shared vision and roadmap for action and agreeing on next steps for implementation. 

The workshop also helped strengthen a regional network of stakeholders committed to advancing access to quality paediatric medicines. 

 Stronger systems, healthier futures 

Improving access to paediatric medicines requires coordinated action across policies, systems and countries. Through this collaboration, ASEAN countries and partners are taking an important step towards ensuring that all children, regardless of where they live, can access the medicines they need to survive and thrive. 

As discussions in Kuala Lumpur moved from ideas to action, the message was clear: stronger regional cooperation today can help deliver healthier futures for children across ASEAN.