ADB urged to sharpen health strategy to meet Asia-Pacific's growing needs

MANILA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) should update its health strategic framework to provide a clearer vision and mandate in Asia and the Pacific, according to a new evaluation by the ADB's Independent Evaluation Department released on Monday.

Although the Manila-based bank has taken steps to re-engage with the health sector across the region, the report stressed the need to build on the momentum and "respond effectively to rising health demands."

The report, covering 2011 to 2024, found the region has made significant health gains, including reduced child and maternal mortality, as well as expanded immunization.

"However, health risks have evolved," the report said, mentioning that the region now faces "a surge in noncommunicable diseases, rising public demand for universal access to affordable care, and an aging population."

"Our evaluation underscores that while ADB has demonstrated strengths, particularly during the recent pandemic, its legacy policies and operational mechanisms are not sufficient to navigate the complexity of current and future health challenges," said the report's team leader, Eungji Kim. "A clear, updated strategic framework is essential to guide ADB's growing role."

The report outlined a clear path forward, saying that "with targeted operational guidance, improved country diagnostics, and stronger knowledge sharing, ADB can build on its comparative advantages to become a more strategic and long-term partner in advancing health outcomes across Asia and the Pacific." Enditem