Bali, 19–20 June 2025: ERIA, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH) of the Philippines as the lead country of the ASEAN Essential Diagnostics Lists Initiative (AEDLI), co-organised the AEDLI Technical Workshop on the Development of National Essential Diagnostics Lists (NEDLs). The event brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS), Timor-Leste, and international health partners to strengthen regional cooperation on diagnostic policy development.

An NEDL completes the triad of core national health lists alongside essential medicines and priority vaccines. By prioritising in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs), which comprise approximately 70% of all diagnostics, the NEDL supports both Universal Health Coverage and national emergency preparedness.

Building on the success of the First and Second Regional Consultative Meetings (RCMs) held in Bangkok and Manila in 2024, the Bali workshop offered technical guidance and a platform for peer learning. Timor-Leste, which has completed its NEDL, shared its experience in developing and implementing the list, alongside insights from other AMS and partner organisations.

Opening remarks were delivered via video by Dr Kenneth G. Ronquillo, Undersecretary of Health of the Philippines and SOMHD representative. He highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in diagnostics and praised ASEAN’s growing cooperation on the NEDL. He also thanked AMS, ERIA, and the ASEAN Secretariat for their strong support of the AEDLI.

H.E. Dr Haji Adi Ihram bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud, Chair of ASEAN Health Cluster 3 (AHC3), welcomed participants and reaffirmed the cluster’s commitment to improving national diagnostics capacities. He noted the importance of sharing country experiences to strengthen the Initiative.

Dr Manami Uechi, Director of ERIA’s Healthcare Unit, provided the final opening remarks, introducing ERIA’s focus areas – Healthcare Policy, Social Welfare, Knowledge and Capacity Building, and Healthcare System Delivery. She reaffirmed ERIA’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s diagnostic security and policy planning, citing its recent research on diagnostics access and manufacturing.

Following the opening session, Mr Narihiro Hirai, ERIA Healthcare’s Chief Programme Manager, welcomed Mr Richard Ramones of the Philippines, who reiterated the objectives of the workshop. Dr Antonio Villanueva, ERIA Senior Research Fellow, summarised key recommendations from RCM1 and RCM2 and outlined opportunities for ASEAN to become a global model for diagnostics policy.

A series of expert presentations followed:

• Mrs Nurhidayat Anwar (ADxSSR) reported on a recent regional meeting and proposals for collaboration.
• Dr Safendrri Komara Ragamustari (ACPHEED) discussed intersecting initiatives and resource alignment.
• Dr Shogo Kanamori (JIHS) presented comparative NEDL case studies from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• Engr Mohammad Ameel (WHO SEARO) outlined NEDL implementation strategies.
• Mr Naofumi Hashimoto, former WHO Geneva expert, shared a global analysis of NEDL indicators across countries.

The afternoon featured practical insights from Timor-Leste’s NEDL team, the first in ASEAN to complete its NEDL. Ms Endang Soares da Silva highlighted high-level advocacy and the formation of a national technical working group. Dr Nevio Sarmento outlined the development process, while Ms Silvia Maria Da Cruz Babo and Ms Domingas da Costa Campos shared implementation experiences and future plans.

Brunei Darussalam’s Ms Hjh Hairiah binti Hj Talib shared that Brunei already aligns 85% with the WHO EDL, deeming redevelopment unnecessary.

Day 2 began with a recap and country reports by AMS representatives, followed by a plenary discussion to finalise the Regional Guidance Checklist for NEDL development.

Highlights from AMS updates included:

• Brunei Darussalam: plans for a non-IVD gap assessment with ERIA.
• Cambodia: announced the 4th regional meeting in Siem Reap (December 2025).
• Indonesia: applying a One Health approach, incorporating animal and environmental testing.
• Lao PDR: preparing a WHO EDL gap analysis with ERIA.
• Malaysia: affirmed confidence in its list and regional support.
• Myanmar: plans to initiate NEDL development in 2026.
• Philippines: progressing under a High-Level Steering Committee.
• Thailand: moving toward pilot implementation this year.
• Viet Nam: revisiting its primary care NEDL pending legal approval.
• Timor-Leste: approved its list pending Ministry of Health reorganisation.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Dr Yasuyuki Mitsuhashi, ERIA Senior Policy Fellow, and a video message from Secretary of Health Dr Teodoro J. Herbosa. Both speakers urged continued collaboration to ensure that diagnostics are affordable, equitable, and accessible across ASEAN. Secretary Herbosa also expressed anticipation for the next AEDLI regional meeting in Siem Reap.