Vasoontara S. Yiengprugsawan
Senior Universal Health Coverage Specialist (Service Delivery), Human and Social Development Office, Sectors Department 3, Asian Development Bank

Dr. Vasoontara Yiengprugsawan oversees ADB's health technical assistance, including noncommunicable diseases and mental health and regional cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion and BIMP-EAGA. She has held senior health research positions in Australia, a WHO Fellowship with the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and worked in policy and research with a UN Migration Agency in Geneva. She holds a PhD in Epidemiology from Australian National University and an MA in International Development from Syracuse University.

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Explainer

Better financing, stronger regulations, digital health solutions, and regional cooperation can make assistive products and services more affordable and accessible.

Insight

Blended financing and regional cooperation can help countries expand prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up while making better use of limited resources.

Insight

From frontline workers to community-based care, countries are finding practical ways to expand support for maternal mental health.

Insight

Investing in mental health strengthens human capital, reduces inequality, and drives economic and social gains across sectors.

Insight

Early warning is most effective when governance, data, and protocols align, helping health systems act earlier on climate-sensitive risks.

Insight

Strengthening leadership pathways, workplace reforms, and training can help address barriers to women’s rise to senior health roles.

Insight

Targeted financing, regional pooling, and digital solutions can expand access to essential health services across dispersed island populations.

Policy Brief

Strengthening multi-sectoral policy response can help health systems adapt to the increasing dominance of noncommunicable diseases.

Policy Brief

Digital health passports, mobile health, and integrated services can provide better care for migrant populations in the Greater Mekong Subregion.