Earlier this year, PVRI began exploring how we can strengthen pulmonary hypertension (PH) collaboration across Southeast Asia. To understand the regional landscape and hear directly from those working in PH, we launched a survey in May 2026 alongside a wider mapping exercise, inviting healthcare professionals, researchers and other stakeholders to share their experiences and priorities.
Why Southeast Asia?
Southeast Asia has diverse healthcare systems and growing PH expertise, but access to diagnosis, treatment and specialist support remains uneven. Our mapping exercise also identified gaps in regional data, national guidance and specialist services.
PVRI has previously supported regional activity in Southeast Asia, with the last Task Force concluding in 2021. Before considering its relaunch, we wanted to understand the priorities of those working in the region today and assess interest in renewed collaboration.
What did we learn?
The message was clear: although progress has been made, significant challenges remain. Respondents identified barriers including limited access to PH medications, delays in diagnosis, low awareness, restricted access to specialist services and inequalities in healthcare provision across countries and regions.
They also recognised the value of regional collaboration and expressed a strong desire to learn from colleagues facing similar challenges across Southeast Asia. Several consistent priorities for future work emerged: building or strengthening PH registries developing regional networks and opportunities for collaboration supporting guideline development and implementation expanding education and training opportunities facilitating research and data sharing across the region
Together with the wider mapping exercise, the survey findings provided a clearer picture of regional needs and revealed strong interest in contributing to future activities.
What’s next?
The survey has helped launch a new phase of regional engagement and informed the relaunch of the Southeast Asia Task Force.
At its inaugural meeting, stakeholders from across the region and beyond began identifying the group’s priority areas.
We are delighted to announce Dr Suree Sompradeekul from Thailand and Dr Ruan Wen from Singapore as our new Co-Leads for the Task Force. Their experience, expertise and regional insight will be invaluable as we strengthen collaboration across Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, PVRI 2027 Bangkok, will provide an important opportunity to continue these conversations and shape the next chapter of PH collaboration in Southeast Asia.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the survey. Your insights will help shape both the new Task Force and future regional activities.
