Healthy Community
A community with poor health indicators often faces a wide range of complex problems. Health refers to mental, physical and social wellbeing and is critical for the sustainability and growth of a community. Quality education, shelter, employment, recreation, balanced diet, transportation, proper healthcare access, health education and a sustainable environment are fundamental elements of a healthy community
[1]. Community health is a combination of healthcare, economics and social factors. It can impact all aspects of life, starting from the learning potential of a child to a grown-up’s ability to work. Working at the community level to promote healthy living reduces health gaps created by differences in income, education, race, ethnicity, location and other factors that affect health
[2]. Strategies that focus on improving the living, learning, praying, playing and working conditions and environments are expected to generate positive effects on the quality of life of the community residents
[3]. Healthy communities tend to have high vaccination rates, easy access to medical care and healthy food consumption. The residents of a healthy community have good living conditions at home, work and school, as well as good mental health resources. Unhealthy communities have a high rate of chronic diseases, limited access to medical care and low levels of health education
[4]. Residents of a healthy community encourage and strengthen activities to provide knowledge on the quality of life and to understand various problems
[5]. A community can make a change in its overall health by improving basic conditions that affect the lives of residents. Policies, systems and changes in the environment can influence health behavior. Health awareness programs addressing community conditions and obstacles to a healthy environment can support healthy behavior change in a community. To continue as a healthy community, people need to continuously work together to improve physical and social environments and develop community resources that allow people to support one another peacefully and harmoniously and to carry out all functions of life from a wellness perspective [6].
References
[1] What is a healthy community? https://www.unlv.edu/sites/default/files/24/Health-Community-January2012.pdf
[2] What is community health and why is it important? https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/what-is-community-health/
[3] Partnership for healthy community. University of Delaware. https://sites.udel.edu/healthycommunities/defined/
[4] A healthy community is prepared community. https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2015/09/a-healthy-community-is-a-prepared-community/
[5] Healthy cities/ Healthy communities. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/overview/models-for-community-health-and-development/healthy-cities-healthy-communities/main
[6] Healthy Community. https://goodandhealthysd.org/wp-content/themes/GoodAndHealthySD/communitytoolkit/files/Foundation/GHCommunityToolKit-HealthyCommunity.pdf
Orientation ceremony 2022
On 8 August 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phudit Tejativaddhana, M.D.; Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University presided over the orientation ceremony for the academic year 2022, together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Supaporn Songpracha; Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; Program Director of the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orapin Laosee; Program Director of Master of Primary Health Care Management, and AIHD lecturers at Boonsiri Hall and online via Zoom Meeting. For the orientation ceremony, the students were divided into two groups, one group was assigned into the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development students and another group of the students were assigned into the Master of Primary Health Care Management program. The students were informed about the curriculum of their program, the teaching and learning process, and some guidelines. Before the orientation ceremony was closed, the students were given a chance to ask questions during the Question and Answer session.
GSSD Expo 2022
LThe Global South-South Development Expo 2022, with the theme of “Advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable COVID-19 Recovery: Towards a Smart and Resilient Future”, was held from September 12-14 in hybrid mode at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok with higher participation from stakeholders including Member States, UN entities, academia and civil society. On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phudit Tejativaddhana; Director of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University and Executive Director of ASEAN University Network for Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) was invited as one of the panelists to join the ILO Solution Forum to talk about CONNECT, the network acts as the regional technical facilitator to address social health protection issues in the region. He also highlighted that AIHD, being the CONNECT secretariat office, is looking forward to expanding the partnership in the Asia Pacific Region.The Forum served as a means to highlight the successful South-South and triangular cooperation practices from the Global South in Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and encourage partners to contribute to different alliances while supporting the Decent Work Agenda as well as the 2030 Agenda. From AIHD, Dr. Nalinee Nakittipha Chuakhamfoo; Acting Manager of CONNECT and Dr. Man Vo; Assistant Director also attended the expo.
The Open Ancient Capital Conference on Science and Technology in Vietnam from August 20-22, 2022
On the first day of the conference, on 20 August 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phudit Tejativaddhana, M.D; Director of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, Thailand, was invited to be a keynote speaker to give a speech titled “Thailand’s experience during COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on our Universal Health Coverage and Primary care system” As part of the conference, on 21 August 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phudit Tejativaddhana, M.D; Asst. Prof. Dr. Supaporn Songpracha; Deputy Director of Academic Affairs; and Dr. Vo Hue Man; Assistant Director for International Affairs were invited to attend a meeting on “Strategic plan and Partnership development for the Institute for Community Health Research” at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue City, Vietnam. In the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phudit Tejativaddhana shared with the Institute for Community Health Research key strategies for development, starting from the need of their demand side, including community, Vietnam and its wider region like ASEAN and global common goals: SDGs. The scientific conference was hosted by Thua Thien Hue Provincial Association of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health and the Institute for Community Health Research of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University with the main theme focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and other priority public health issues for the 2020s decade. The conference was a success with huge participation from experts and participants from Vietnam, USA, Taiwan, Netherlands, Germany, Australia, New Zealands, Thailand and Laos PDR.
Mahidol Day commemorative ceremony 2022
On 24 September 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phudit Tejativaddhana, Director of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, assigned Prof.Apichart Chittacharoen, M.D.; Deputy Director for Organization Development and Special Affairs to attend Mahidol University’s commemoration of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla on Mahidol Day, held on 24 September 2022 at the Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University. Meanwhile, Dr. Naruemol Chantharacherd; Acting Deputy Director for Administrative Affairs, and Ms. Chatchata Ruangkachorn; Secretary of AIHD attended this event, together with AIHD students at the Learning Center, Mahidol University. Moreover, they also attended the exhibition held by the Archives and Museum Department, Library and Knowledge Center.
Fire drill training 2022
On 23 September 2022, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University held fire drill training at Boonsiri Hall. This training aimed to ensure that staff has knowledge and understanding of conducting and initiating firefighting properly in order to respond to fire incidents and prevent them from spreading and be able to use the fire extinguishing equipment correctly and safely.Staff from the Division of Physical and Environment, Mahidol University was honored to be the speakers and demonstrators for AIHD administrative team, lecturers, staff and students.
Short Article from Hemalatha Satishkumar; Ph.D. Students
From 7th Nov to 11th Nov, we went on a field trip to Nakhon Ratchasima province with the aim to study about the Thai health care system and policy in practice. The trip was well planned and organized by our AIHD team. There were no gaps found in following the plans made earlier for all 5 days. To start with, it was a good experience in sharing knowledge with the resource persons. We had a lot of comprehensive learning at each level of health care delivery system of Korat province. Secondly, we had a great time with each one of them to interact and grab knowledge and experience of the expertise. However, it was a wonderful part of our program for great learning and we will apply this knowledge to our study and practice.To finish with, I would love to thank all of our Ajarns for their time, support, and knowledge throughout our field trip and my sincere thanks to all other staffs from AIHD for making this trip more organized and successful.
Hemalatha Satishkumar
Wai Kru Ceremony
AIHD held Wai Kru Ceremony
On 27 October 2022, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University held Wai Kru Ceremony or A ceremony to salute the teachers at Boonsiri Hall and online via Zoom Meeting.The aims were to allow students to pay respect to teachers or lecturers in order to express their gratitude and formalize the relationship between students and lecturers.There are lecturers and students from the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program) and Master of Primary Health Care Management (International Program) who joined this ceremony.
Friendship and Cultural Exchange Camp & Mahidol Core Value
AIHD held Friendship and Cultural Exchange Camp & Mahidol Core Values activities
On 7-8 October 2022, Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development program (International Program) and Master of Primary Health Care Management program (International Program), ASEAN Institute for Health Development #AIHD, Mahidol University held Friendship and Cultural Exchange Camp & Mahidol Core Values activities at Samut Songkhram. The aim of this activity was to support and encourage activities that can enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of Mahidol Core Values and open the stage for arts and cultural exchange by students from various countries. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; Program Director of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development program (International Program), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orapin Laosee; Program Director of Master of Primary Health Care Management program (International Program), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool, foreign expert, foreign instructor, lecturers, and staff from the Office of Education and Academic Services also joined these activities.
What we do
Research in Community Health Issues of Interest Why community health?
The success of COVID-19 prevention and control at the community level in low-and middle-income countries, particularly in Thailand, reflected the local community resilience in supporting local individuals to recover and maintain their health. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries realized the momentum of telemedicine which not only reduced the risk of exposure to communicable disease but also promoted efficiency of follow-ups with patients in remote regions, in particular. As a result, the global community turns its attention towards strengthening the local communities which will be an important power source to fight against the next outbreak. Therefore, we would like to highlight some interesting research issues related to community health.
Issues of interest
Some, if not all, of the following issues related to community health are interrelated across different areas in the six building blocks of the health system.1-4 For example, a scoping review of community health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted financial incentive issues (e.g., lower wages, delayed payment, etc.) which affected the performance and retention of community health workers (CHWs).4 This issue implies the need for future studies to explore or identify effective financial incentives to maintain CHWs in the system. Another issue related to governance and service delivery is the legitimacy of CHWs to deliver primary care services in certain settings such as in migrant communities or urban settings, since the allegedly illegitimate CHWs would not receive cooperation from the communities in acceptance of health services.3
Reference
- Beks H, King O, Clapham R, Alston L, Glenister K, McKinstry C, et al. Community Health Programs Delivered Through Information and Communications Technology in High-Income Countries: Scoping Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2022;24(3).
- Kapoor S, Mohanty V, A YB, Chahar P, Rijhwani K. Primary Health Care Workforce in Southeast Asia Region, Existing Status and Strategies for Non-Communicable Diseases and Oral Health Alliance: A Scoping Review. Cureus 2022;14(2):e22362.
- Konig A, Nabieva J, Manssouri A, Antia K, Dambach P, Deckert A, et al. A Systematic Scoping Review on Migrant Health Coverage in Thailand. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022;7(8).
- Méllo LMBdDe, Santos RCd, Albuquerque PCd. Community Health Workers in the Covid-19 pandemic: scoping review. Saúde em Debate 2022;46(spe1):368-84.
AUN-HPN HURS Evaluation 2022
One of the most significant achievements of AUN-HPN is the Healthy University Rating System (HURS). HURS is a tool used to track and assess the progress and success of a health-promoting university. It was presented and approved by the 12th ASEAN University Network Rectors’ Meeting on July 9th, 2021. The HURS Evaluation System will be annually open from August – November of each year. The HURS Evaluation 2022 was officially kicked off from August 15 – November 16, 2022 for the key-in of data. On behalf of the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to those universities interested and participating in this HURS evaluation 2022. The outcomes are expected to contribute to the sharing of best practices on various aspects among healthy universities through international or local workshops organized by the AUN-HPN or local host universities. As for the next step, we will keep you posted for further updates on data assessment!
The 4th Committee Meeting of the Thai University Network for Health Promotion Network (TUN-HPN)
On September 1, 2022, Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., President of Mahidol University presided over the 4th Committee Meeting of the Thai University Network for Health Promotion Network (TUN-HPN). The meeting took place at Grand Palazzo Hotel, Pattaya, Bang Lamung district and via the Zoom Meeting Platform. The participants included Assoc. Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Vice President for International Relations and Corporate Communication; Dr. Nuttapun Supaka, Director, Partnership and International Relations Section, Thai Health Promotion Foundation; and all other TUN-HPN committee members. Also attended the meeting were Dr. Wiwat Rojanapittayakorn, Advisor to Executive Director of AUN-HPN; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phudit Tejativaddhana, M.D., Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development and Executive Director of AUN-HPN; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Supaporn Songpracha; Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN. The highlighted topic of discussion was the selection of the Chairmanship for the TUN-HPN Committee and Chairmanship for the Organizing Committee for the National Academic Conference on Health Promotion for the year 2023.
AUN-HPN organized the first National Academic Conference “Health-Promoting Universities for Sustainable Development”
AUN-HPN and Khon Kaen University successfully co-hosted the first national academic conference, “Health Promoting Universities for Sustainable Development,” on September 2, 2022, as part of the 12th International Conference on Public Health among Greater Mekong Sub-Regional Countries. The network of Thai leading universities in the region (TUN-HPN), including Burapha University, Chiang Mai University, Chulalongkorn University, Khon Kaen University, Mahidol University, and Prince of Songkla University, participated in the conference, which the Thai Health Promotion Foundation supported, to be organized successfully. During the Ceremony for TUN-HPN Flag Handover, Chulalongkorn University was selected to be the Chairmanship for TUN-HPN Committee and Chairmanship for the Organizing Committee for the National Academic Conference on Health Promotion for the year 2023. At the conference, the universities shared best practices and aimed to work together to advance health promotion policies through a collaborative learning process, strengthen their domestic and international networks, and put their university’s “Health Promotion University” goal into practice.
The 13th Steering Committee Meeting
On 7 October 2022, Prof. Dr. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., President of Mahidol University, presided over the 13th AUN-HPN Steering Committee Meeting. The meeting was held in a hybrid format at Krasae Chanawongse Meeting Room, ASEAN Institute for Health Development and Via the Zoom Meeting Platform. This meeting was organized with the aim to drive the health promotion policies in order to be a “Healthy University” by using AUN Healthy University Framework (HUF) and Healthy University Rating System (HURS) as well as to strengthen cooperation between university networks in the ASEAN region. The discussed topics were reports of results from the 37th ASEAN University Network Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) Meeting, the 13th ASEAN University Network (AUN) Rectors’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos on 27-28 September 2022, the 4th Thai University Network for Health Promotion Network (TUN-HPN) Meeting, the 1st National Academic Conference on Health Promotion under the theme “Health Promoting University for Sustainable Development” on 1-2 September 2022 organized by Khon Kaen University in cooperation with the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office and Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) at Grand Palazzo Hotel, Pattaya, Chonburi Province, and AUN-HPN’s booth participation as part of the health promotion exhibition of the Regional Meeting with Multisectoral Partners on Urban Governance for Health and Wellbeing in South-East Asia Region on 27-29 September 2022 at Pullman Hotel King Power, Bangkok. Additionally, the progress report on the Healthy University Rating System (HURS) development, and the progress report of AUN-HPN Working Committee, as well as the preparation and planning for the 7th International Advisory Committee Meeting and 3rd AUN Health Promotion Conference to be held during January 19-20, 2023, were presented and discussed in the meeting. The 14th AUN-HPN Steering Committee Meeting has been tentatively scheduled for March or April 2023.
Regional Meeting with Multisectoral Partners on Urban Governance for Health and Wellbeing in South-East Asia Region
During September 27-29, 2022, AUN-HPN Secretariat Office was invited to attend the Regional meeting with multisectoral partners on urban governance for health and wellbeing in South-East Asia Region and also to display an exhibition booth under the theme “Healthy Setting: Healthy University”. During the exhibition presentation, Dr. Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn, M.D., Advisor to Executive Director of AUN-HPN, and AUN-HPN Secretariat Officers presented AUN-HPN activities and latest innovations which are Healthy University Framework (HUF) and Healthy University Rating System (HURS). The exhibition booth received positive feedback and kind attention from the meeting participants. The Regional meeting with multisectoral partners on urban governance for health and wellbeing in South-East Asia Region was organized by World Health Organization South-East Asia Region (WHO-SEARO) in collaboration with Regional Laboratory on Urban Governance for Health and Wellbeing (UGHW), Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), and Swiss Development Corporation. The objective of this meeting was to present the progress report on the implementation of Healthy City in Southeast Asia, introduce new tools to support the mobility and development of leaders in urban health, and enhance collaboration between the health and urban development sectors through the Healthy City Network.
Must Read
World Diabetes Day 2022
On World Diabetes Day, which falls on November 14, let us support healthcare professionals and organizations to raise awareness of this non-communicable disease. Diabetes is a chronic condition whereby constant high blood sugar leads to damage to vital organs in the body. Around 537 million people are living with diabetes around the world. The first step towards managing and preventing diabetes is to understand it. Hence, education on diabetes and access to diabetes care is crucial to the fight against diabetes.
World AIDS Day 2022
It is held on the 1st of December each year to unite people from around the globe to fight HIV, show support to people living with HIV, and remember the lives lost to the disease. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988. The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Equalize”.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on 3 December in accordance with the Resolution 47/3 of the United Nations General Assembly. The purpose of the Day is to raise awareness of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities. The event was launched in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly with the first day being marked on December 3 of that year.
Journal of Public Health and Development
AIHD Spotlight
Miss Alina Pant
Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development Program Student A talent for UNLEASH Innovation Lab 2022 Fully Funded Scholarship from UNLEASH, India Faculty of Graduate Studies and Graduate Studies of Mahidol University Alumni Association 2022 for partial thesis support
Dr. Tran Le Cong Tru
Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development Program Student MU 2022 Scholarship New Southbound Policy Short-term Study Aboard Program at Taipei Medical University, Taipei (5 months)
Wichukorn Suriyawongpaisal
Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development Program Student Faculty of Graduate Studies Mahidol University Educational Scholarship in Honor of the 60th Year Supreme Reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Nareerat Sangkachai
Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development Program Student Faculty of Graduate Studies Mahidol University Educational Scholarship in Honor of the 60th Year Supreme Reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Miss Aye Kyawt Khine
Master of Primary Health Care Management Program Student Faculty of Graduate Studies and Graduate Studies of Mahidol University Alumni Association 2022 for partial thesis support
Ms. May Thet Tun
Master of Primary Health Care Management Program Student Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) 2022
Dr.Orawan Quansri
Graduation from Governors State University, USA in Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision
The consolation prize for the new green space
A reward for continuously maintaining the previous area
Welcome New Staff
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool
Academic
Dr. Win Myint Oo
Foreign Expert Level 3
Foreign Expert Section
Foreign Expert Section
Pannawat Thuenklin
Research Administrator
Office of Research and Health Policy Development
Office of Research and Health Policy Development
Up Coming Event
Get yourself ready for the 7th IAC Meeting and the 3rd International Health Promotion Conference in 2023
You are cordially invited to participate in the 7th IAC Meeting and the 3rd International Health Promotion Conference in 2023 which will be held in a hybrid format during January 19-20, 2023 at Grand Richmond Hotel, Nonthaburi, Thailand and via Zoom Meeting platform. This event is a venue for various leaders and representatives of ASEAN universities to present best practices, lessons, and challenges in the creation of healthy universities and communities. Both IAC members and observers will have the chance to participate in the following highlighted activities over these two days of meetings and conferences:
- Progress updates on health promotion implementation presented by our 14 IAC member universities
- Keynote speaker session with various topics related to health promotion
- Healthy University Capacity Building Workshops under the theme “Mental Health”
For the physically present participants, you will have an opportunity to join these activities to explore Thai local life along the river in Nonthaburi and learn more about Thai Culture through a cultural visit to Ko Kret Nonthaburi and an ASEAN National Costumes event that includes dinner and a group photo. In order to facilitate your participation, please kindly complete the online registration below by December 5, 2022:
- Registration link for IAC members, please click here
- Registration link for observers, please click here
The revised agenda and meeting materials will later be provided to the registered attendees. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us at the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office address: aunhpn@mahidol.ac.th