Access to effective and affordable antibiotics remains a major challenge globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To address this, SECURE, a global initiative led by World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) aims to work with countries to pioneer new approaches to ensuring antibiotic access while ensuring appropriate use. As part of its regional engagement, SECURE is collaborating with the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program Foundation (HITAP), to explore the existing access challenges experienced in Thailand, identify mechanisms to address these access challenges both for the country as well as a greater impact on the region under the ASEAN mechanisms and structures.
To inform these efforts, a 1.5-day working meeting will be convened in Thailand in July 2025 to establish a SECURE working group and facilitate country-to-country coordination, including with Laos and Malaysia. Under these efforts, two studies will be conducted, one to assess access challenges and public health needs for Reserve antibiotics in Thailand, and another to examine procurement policies and regional collaboration across ASEAN. The findings will support evidence-based planning for coordinated procurement, align with WHO’s strategic goals on antimicrobial resistance, and contribute to global commitments to expand access to critical antibiotics in high-need settings.