The history of the Asia Pacific Paediatric Association (APPA) dates back to 1974. During an organizational meeting held in Manila, Philippines, on April 30, 1974, attended by pediatricians representing 15 countries, the Association of Pediatric Societies of the South-East Asian Region (APSSEAR) was formed. This date coincided with the First Asian Congress of Pediatrics, hosted by the Philippine Pediatric Society. The moving forces behind the formation of APSSEAR were Dr. Lino Edralin Lim and Prof. Perla D. Santos Ocampo of the Philippines, who served as its first President (1974-76) and Secretary-General (1974-2000), respectively. By October 25, 1977, APSSEAR became an official affiliate of the International Pediatric Association (IPA).

APSSEAR’s main aim was to pursue the objectives of the IPA in improving the health status of children in the region and had a four-point program of action to achieve its objectives: research in all aspects of pediatrics, dissemination of pediatric knowledge, holding an Asian Congress of Pediatrics every three years, and promotion of national pediatric meetings. From an initial 15 member countries, it increased to 20 members.

In 2003, it was deemed that a name change was necessary to reflect more appropriately the geographical location of the countries represented in the organization; hence, the name was changed to Asia Pacific Pediatric Association.

The scientific congress of APPA, which is called the Asia Pacific Congress of Paediatrics (APCP), have been held 18 times so far, hosted by the various member countries’ pediatric societies. Sri Lanka, a founding member of APPA, hosted the 12th congress in Colombo in 2007. The latest was held in Cebu, Philippines, on November 14-17, 2024, as a hybrid conference in keeping with the pandemic.

APSSEAR or APPA has attained regional and global recognition, and through the years its congresses have continued to bring pediatricians together to work towards its goals.