Exploratory study on the climate-health vulnerability and governance preparedness in ASEAN: A comparative assessment of regional resilience and policy priorities
John Nicolas B. MejiaAbstract
Background:
Climate change poses growing health risks across Southeast Asia, yet ASEAN Member States differ substantially in their levels of vulnerability and preparedness. Understanding these disparities is essential for strengthening regional climate-health resilience.
Objective:
This study developed and applied an integrated Climate–Health Vulnerability and Preparedness Framework to assess climate-health vulnerability and governance preparedness across ASEAN Member States, identify vulnerability–preparedness gaps, and inform regional policy priorities.
Methods:
A comparative ecological assessment was conducted using a composite index approach based on secondary data from ASEAN Member States (AMS) National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and/or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), and relevant literature. A Climate–Health Vulnerability Score (CHVS) and Governance Readiness Index (GRI) were developed using environmental, socio-economic, institutional, and governance indicators. Countries were subsequently classified using vulnerability–preparedness gap analysis and resilience typologies.
Results:
Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Malaysia demonstrated low vulnerability and high preparedness, emerging as regional climate-health leaders. Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar exhibited high vulnerability and limited preparedness, representing critical priority states. The Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam showed relatively strong preparedness despite high climate exposure, highlighting the importance of governance capacity in mitigating climate-health risks. Vulnerability–preparedness gap analysis revealed the largest deficits in Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Cambodia, while Singapore and Brunei displayed the strongest preparedness surpluses.
Conclusions:
Climate-health resilience across ASEAN is influenced by both environmental exposure and governance readiness. The exploratory framework developed in this study identified vulnerability–preparedness gaps, resilience typologies, and policy priorities that provide a structured analytical framework for comparative climate-health assessment and evidence-informed planning. Strengthening governance systems, climate-resilient health infrastructure, and adaptation financing remains essential for reducing vulnerability and enhancing regional resilience to climate-related health threats.