Rooted in partnership, growing through challenge: The Banyan Framework for Health and Well-Being in the WHO South-East Asia Region (2026–2028)
Overview
A decisive period for health in South-East Asia
The WHO South-East Asia Region enters 2026–2028 at a pivotal moment. Over the past decade, countries of the Region have achieved measurable progress. The average UHC Service Coverage Index increased from 53 to 68. Financial hardship in health declined. The Region has achieved more than 20 disease eliminations since 2014. It recorded the largest decline in malaria incidence and mortality among endemic regions globally. Tobacco use has fallen significantly, reaching global NCD targets ahead of schedule.
These achievements reflect sustained political leadership, national investment and collective action.
Yet the foundations remain under strain.
More than 30% of the population continues to experience financial hardship due to health spending. The Region accounts for 34% of global tuberculosis (TB) cases and 40% of TB deaths. The probability of premature mortality from major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remains 22.3%, the highest among WHO regions. Climate shocks are intensifying. Emergency risks are converging. Concessional financing is tightening as countries transition economically. The lack of sex- and gender-disaggregated data further deepens the gaps in health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations, including women and girls. The Region’s uniquely large population of young people – representing 26% of its population – presents both a significant opportunity and a critical risk for its future health trajectory
This moment requires clarity of purpose, disciplined prioritization and stronger integration of effort.
