CONCERNED with the health of the people of the ASEAN countries;

RECOGNIZING the similarities and differences in the health problems of ASEAN countries;

AWARE of the benefits of sharing each country's experiences, expertise and resources;

CONSIDERING the crucial role of health in improving the quality of life;

DO HEREBY DECLARE their agreement to strengthen and coordinate regional collaboration in health among ASEAN countries

BY ADOPTING the following guidelines:

1. Ensure that collaboration contributes directly or indirectly towards regional self-reliance and self determination

2. Emphasize health as an integrated part of the overall socioeconomic development.

3. Aim at making health care accessible to the total population, with priority being given to the under-served and depressed areas.

4. Promote Health Manpower Development consistent with the needs of the ASEAN countries.

5. Continue with international collaboration in health while striving to be self-reliant in the delivery of health services.

6. Emphasize primary health care in the overall health development strategy.

   PROGRAM AREAS FOR COLLABORATION

   The Program areas of technical collaboration amongst ASEAN countries should include:

   - Primary Health Care
   - Disease Control
   - Health Planning, Management and information system
   - Nutrition
   - Health Manpower Development
   - Environmental and Occupational Health
   - Pharmaceuticals, Biologicals and Traditional Medicine
   - Mental Health
   

   MECHANISM FOR COLLABORATION

   To facilitate effective collaboration, a formal mechanism within the ASEAN structure shall be developed.

   DONE in Manila Republic of the Philippines, on the twenty-fourth day of July, 1980.

   For the Government of the Republic of Indonesia :
   
   
   

   (sgd)
   SUWARDJONO SURJANINGRAT
   Minister of Health

   For the Government of Malaysia :
   
   
   

   (sgd)
   TAN SRI CHONG HON NYAN
   Minister of Health

   For the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
   
   
   

   (sgd)
   ENRIQUE M. GARCIA
   Minister of Health

   For the Government of the Republic of Singapore
   
   
   

   (sgd)
   TOH CHIN CHYE
   Minister of Health

   For the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand
   
   
   

   (sgd)
   THONGYOD CHITTAVERA
   Minister of Health