Special Scope
Prepared by Asst. Prof. Dr. Seo Ah Hong
Climate change has been identified as the biggest global health threat of the 21st century since it threatens the lives and livelihoods of billions of people through rising seas and extreme weather events. The indirect impacts of climate change and extreme weather events interact with either natural or human systems through a broad range of mechanisms, such as infrastructure and critical services, an increase in diarrheal disease, failed crops and malnutrition, stress, anxiety and depression. They may have far-reaching social, economic and health consequences and exacerbate existing inequalities between and within countries. Pregnant women, newborns, elderly, and people with disability living in marginalized communities are particularly at risk, as they have only limited protection against extreme heat and adverse weather events. This call on governments and global health organizations to prioritize the health of the vulnerable population in marginalized communities in climate change response plans with more research on understanding the impacts and providing the resolutions to address them.
References
- Roos N, Kovats S, Hajat S, Filippi V, Chersich M, Luchters S, Scorgie F, Nakstad B, Stephansson O; CHAMNHA Consortium. Maternal and newborn health risks of climate change: A call for awareness and global action. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021 Apr;100(4):566-570. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14124.
- Climate change and health [press release]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2008
- WHO. Maternal mental health and child development in low and middle-income countries (30 January – 1 February 2008). Geneva, Switzerland: Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, WHO. 2008.
AIHD enhanced strategic plan for implementation
On 17 January 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Vice President of Mahidol University and Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD) presided over the AIHD meeting to drive the implementation of an enhanced strategic plan and to listen to the opinions of AIHD academics and supporting staff at Boonsiri Hall.
AIHD has drafted the strategic plan for 2023 -2027 to define the new vision “To be the recognized academic institute of Global Health, Health Policy, and Health Development in the ASEAN region by 2027”, with the Mission consisting of 1. Develop research works for creating innovative role models for a sustainable health system, 2. Manage transformative learning process for producing graduates to be the leaders of sustainable health system management, and 3. Enhance the capacity of health staff to support sustainable health system development, and Strategy consisting of 1. Creation of research works to support a sustainable health system, 2. Learning system management and program development to create leaders in health system policy, 3. Excellent academic services and social policy direction to enhance and expand quality health system development, and 4. Development of an organizational management system for sustainable excellence.This meeting was also open to AIHD academics and supporting staff to share their opinions and suggestions about strategic goals, plans and indicators to achieve the vision and mission.
AIHD Spotlight
Congratulations
Asst. Prof. Dr. Seo Ah Hong received Mahidol University’s Top 1% Researchers 2023
AIHD welcomed ILO representatives for academic collaboration
On 9 March 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University together with Dr. Thaworn Sakunphanit, Asst. Prof. Dr. Vijj Kasemsup, M.D., and related persons welcomed Mr. Graeme Buckley; Director, Ms. Marielle Goursat; Programme manager, and Ms. Jittima Srisuknam; Senior Programme Officer from International Labour Organization (ILO) at Krasae Chanawongse to discuss collaboration in education.
During the meeting, AIHD presented the progress results under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AIHD and ILO about the Master of Primary Health Care Management-Special Track on Social Health Protection, which was supported by funding from ILO. Moreover, they discussed the establishment of the “CONNECT” for expanding collaboration in other areas in the future.
During the meeting, AIHD presented the progress results under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AIHD and ILO about the Master of Primary Health Care Management-Special Track on Social Health Protection, which was supported by funding from ILO. Moreover, they discussed the establishment of the “CONNECT” for expanding collaboration in other areas in the future.
AIHD met TMU
On 17 February 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; Program Director of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orapin Laosee; Program Director of Master of Primary Health Care Management, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool joined the meeting with Prof. Dr. Yi-Hua Chen; Dean of the College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University (TMU) and Prof. Dr. Feng-Jen Tsai; Director of Master and Ph.D. Programs of Global Health and Health Security at the Ratchapruke room and online via Zoom Meeting.
The aim of this meeting was to collaborate on education, research, and academic services. The two institutions agreed to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the future.
AIHD organized the Kick-Off meeting of the project to assess the Carbon Footprint of the Organization
On 7 February 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Dr. Naruemol Chantharacherd; Acting for Deputy Director for Administration, AIHD, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; chairperson of the AIHD project for assessing the Carbon Footprint of the Organization, and the committee members joined the kick-off meeting for the preparation of the Carbon Footprint of the Organization along with Assoc. Prof. Kitikorn Charmondusit, Ph.D.; Vice President for Environment and Sustainable Development, Mahidol University and the working team at Krasae Chanawongse Room.
They also explored the area around AIHD to identify the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and determine the scope of the organization’s greenhouse gas assessment. The project aimed to reduce the use of carbon greenhouse gases within Mahidol University, protect the ecosystem, and reduce global warming according to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Department, Library and Knowledge Center.
They also explored the area around AIHD to identify the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and determine the scope of the organization’s greenhouse gas assessment. The project aimed to reduce the use of carbon greenhouse gases within Mahidol University, protect the ecosystem, and reduce global warming according to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Department, Library and Knowledge Center.
AIHD met CPI
On 31 January 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University together with AIHD lecturers and related staff welcomed Mr. Tom Traill; Research and Policy Director, Dr. Si Thura; Executive Director and his colleagues from Community Partners International (CPI) to join the meeting at Ratchapruke Room and online via Zoom meeting. In this regard, AIHD and CPI also discussed the collaboration of academics, research, and academic supporting funds. They also plan to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future.
AIHD held AIHD Journal Club (Special Session) no.1
On 3 February 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University was honored to preside over the AIHD Journal Club (Special Session) no.1 at Ratchrapruke room and online via Zoom meeting.
In this session, Ms. Khine Hsu Wai; Ph.D. student in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program) presented her research proposal. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan, also gave suggestions and ideas to improve the proposal. Dr. Christine Stanly; Foreign Expert and Mr. Jeevan Bhatta; Foreign Instructor were also present at the Journal Club meeting.
In this session, Ms. Khine Hsu Wai; Ph.D. student in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program) presented her research proposal. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan, also gave suggestions and ideas to improve the proposal. Dr. Christine Stanly; Foreign Expert and Mr. Jeevan Bhatta; Foreign Instructor were also present at the Journal Club meeting.
What we do
Effective Coverage for Quality of Care Where are we?
Prepared by Mr. Wichukorn Suriyawongpaisal and AIHD Research Support team
What is effective coverage?
Since the endorsement of universal health coverage (UHC), the application of the concept globally remains a question in terms of quality of service. According to WHO, UHC is defined as reducing disparities in receiving quality care according to the need of the general public with proper financial protection to safeguard and to increase affordability of quality Care1 While many, and some, countries put their efforts into increasing coverage of health services across the country, most of them may achieve ‘crude coverage’ which denotes the accessibility to health care services1. In this scenario, determining the quality of care is skeptical. As a result, ‘effective coverage’, denoting the integration of need, accessibility, and quality of care has been emphasized to ensure that available health care services meet the fundamental elements of UHC: need, accessibility, and quality of care1 . Since 2013, evidence supporting the concept of effective coverage and its impact has been emerging. The following section will provide a glimpse of the evidence in terms of settings, issues of interests, and recommendations.
Overview
We identify eight research articles that are relevant to the assessment of effective coverage. Most of the articles were conducted in a multi-national setting and published in 2022 (figure 1).
What is effective coverage?
Since the endorsement of universal health coverage (UHC), the application of the concept globally remains a question in terms of quality of service. According to WHO, UHC is defined as reducing disparities in receiving quality care according to the need of the general public with proper financial protection to safeguard and to increase affordability of quality Care1 While many, and some, countries put their efforts into increasing coverage of health services across the country, most of them may achieve ‘crude coverage’ which denotes the accessibility to health care services1. In this scenario, determining the quality of care is skeptical. As a result, ‘effective coverage’, denoting the integration of need, accessibility, and quality of care has been emphasized to ensure that available health care services meet the fundamental elements of UHC: need, accessibility, and quality of care1 . Since 2013, evidence supporting the concept of effective coverage and its impact has been emerging. The following section will provide a glimpse of the evidence in terms of settings, issues of interests, and recommendations.
Overview
We identify eight research articles that are relevant to the assessment of effective coverage. Most of the articles were conducted in a multi-national setting and published in 2022 (figure 1).
Around two third of the identified publications focus on assessing service delivery, particularly on maternal and child health and non-communicable disease issues24 with emphasis on primary and/or secondary care19 . Results and recommendations from the articles highlight gaps in four areas: 1) lack of data availability and quality to comprehensively assess the need, accessibility, and quality of care, 2) shortage of standardized measurements and indicators for effective coverage assessment at national and international levels 3) insufficient capacity building of the health workforce to effectively deliver and monitor the progress of healthcare services and 4) fragmentation of government efforts in the integration of multiple health and welfare schemes to ensure the coverage of health insurance for better access to quality care (figure 2).
Reference
- Charoendee K, Sriratanaban J, Aekplakorn W, Hanvoravongchai P. Assessment of population coverage of hypertension screening in Thailand based on the effective coverage framework. BMC Health Serv Res 2018;18(1):208.
- Carter ED, Leslie HH, Marchant T, Amouzou A, Munos MK. Methodological considerations for linking household and healthcare provider data for estimating effective coverage: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2021;11(8):e045704.
- Exley J, Gupta PA, Schellenberg J, Strong KL, Requejo JH, Moller AB, et al. A rapid systematic review and evidence synthesis of effective coverage measures and cascades for childbirth, newborn and child health in low- and middle-income countries. J Glob Health 2022;12:04001.
- Ferede Gebremedhin A, Dawson A, Hayen A. Evaluations of effective coverage of maternal and child health services: A systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2022;37(7):895-914.
- Peters MA, Noonan CM, Rao KD, Edward A, Alonge OO. Evidence for an expanded hypertension care cascade in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022;22(1):827.
- Campbell J, Buchan J, Cometto G, David B, Dussault G, Fogstad H, et al. Human resources for health and universal health coverage: fostering equity and effective coverage. Bull World Health Organ 2013;91(11):853-63.
- Chen S, Chen Y, Feng Z, Chen X, Wang Z, Zhu J, et al. Barriers of effective health insurance coverage for rural-to-urban migrant workers in China: a systematic review and policy gap analysis. BMC Public Health 2020;20(1):408.
- Jannati A, Sadeghi V, Imani A, Saadati M. Effective coverage as a new approach to health system performance assessment: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2018;18(1):886.
- Halim AFM, Ahmad D, Miaw Yn JL, Masdor NA, Ramly N, Othman R, et al. Factors associated with the acceptability of mass drug administration for filariasis: a systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19(19): 12971.
AUN-HPN Updates
7th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee Meeting
On January 19, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang, Vice President of Mahidol University presided over the opening ceremony of the 7th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting and the 3rd AUN International Health Promotion Conference. Also present in the opening ceremony were Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti; Executive Director of AUN, Dr. Nattapun Supaka, Director of the Relations and International Relations Section, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN, Asst. Prof. Dr. Supaporn Songpracha; Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN, Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Dean of Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development and 26 universities from ASEAN countries and Japan. The meeting took place at Grand Richmond Hotel, Nonthaburi Province and via Zoom Meeting Platform. Key points of the 7th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting were as follows:
• Learn and share progress updates on health promotion implementation of IAC member universities
• Promoting and driving the concept of a healthy university through the use of the Healthy University Rating System (HURS)
• Approval of the Conference statement: Healthy University Rating System (HURS)
• Announcing the top three universities achieving the highest score for the HURS 2022
• Introducing Khon Kaen University as a new AUN-HPN Associate Member
• Setting the date of the next 8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting
On January 19, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang, Vice President of Mahidol University presided over the opening ceremony of the 7th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting and the 3rd AUN International Health Promotion Conference. Also present in the opening ceremony were Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti; Executive Director of AUN, Dr. Nattapun Supaka, Director of the Relations and International Relations Section, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN, Asst. Prof. Dr. Supaporn Songpracha; Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN, Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Dean of Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development and 26 universities from ASEAN countries and Japan. The meeting took place at Grand Richmond Hotel, Nonthaburi Province and via Zoom Meeting Platform. Key points of the 7th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting were as follows:
• Learn and share progress updates on health promotion implementation of IAC member universities
• Promoting and driving the concept of a healthy university through the use of the Healthy University Rating System (HURS)
• Approval of the Conference statement: Healthy University Rating System (HURS)
• Announcing the top three universities achieving the highest score for the HURS 2022
• Introducing Khon Kaen University as a new AUN-HPN Associate Member
• Setting the date of the next 8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting
3rd AUN International Health Promotion Conference
The 3rd AUN International Health Promotion Conference under the theme “Mental Health and Well-being of ASEAN Universities during the Post-COVID-19 Period: Awareness and Actions” was organized on 20 January 2023 at Grand Richmond Hotel, Nonthaburi Province, Thailand and via Zoom Meeting Platform. More than 120 participants across ASEAN countries attended the conference both onsite and online via Zoom Meeting Platform.
The objective of this conference was for ASEAN member universities to share their experiences and best practices in addressing mental health issues in universities during the COVID-19 crisis period. Furthermore, participants were invited to sign the conference statement as a symbol to demonstrate their strong commitment to promoting and adopting the use of the Healthy University Rating System (HURS).
For the keynote session, this 3rd AUN International Health Promotion Conference was honored by three keynote speakers to give lectures on the following topics:
- Dr. Wiwat Rodjanapittayakorn on the topic of “Role of AUN-HPN in promoting effective health promotion policies and practices in collaboration among ASEAN countries”
- Dr. Suvajee Good; Regional Advisor, Social Determinants of Health and Health Promotion, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia on the topic of “Health Promotion Competencies in the new era”
- Prof.Mark Dooris; Professor in Health & Sustainability, University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom & Chair, UK Healthy Universities Network on the topic “Health Promoting Universities: UK & International Insights, Challenges & Opportunities”
Healthy University Rating System (HURS) 2022
Healthy University Rating System (HURS) version 2022 was launched during 15 August – 16 November 2022, with all 13 ASEAN leading universities participating in the assessment.
On 14 February 2023, the Committee on HURS Development met and jointly discussed the rating results after the data verification based on the 22 areas of the Healthy University Framework (HUF). As a result of this meeting, the official HURS rating score and summary reports have been sent on 20 February 2023 to each participating university via their registered emails for HURS evaluation 2022.
AUN-HPN also organized another meeting of the Committee on HURS Development on 29 March 2023, with an objective to review questions and criteria in the HURS 2023 to be more effective.Healthy University Rating System (HURS) version 2023 is scheduled to launch again this year during August – November 2023. Please stay tuned for more updates.
please contact the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office via this email address: aunhpn@mahidol.ac.th
Must Read
World Health Day
World Health Day is observed on April 7th every year. The aim is to promote the importance of good health and wellness for everyone. This year is marked as a significant milestone as the World Health Organization (WHO) commemorates its 75th anniversary by reflecting on the achievements in public health programs that have contributed to a better quality of life over the past seventy years. Various programs, including workshops, seminars and discussions will be organized by WHO and other organizations to highlight health problems and to find effective strategies to address them. Let us promote health and wellness for all people around the world.Prepared by: Dr. Christine Stanly; AIHD Foreign Expert
Reference
https://www.who.int/…/western…/world-health-day-2023
World Malaria Day 2023
Malaria is a dangerous disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. World Malaria Day, observed on April 25, 2023, highlights the need to eliminate malaria, especially in marginalized populations. The theme for this year is “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”. WHO will emphasize the third “I” of their theme, which is to implement strategies and tools that are effective for malaria prevention and treatment. Accomplishing Zero Malaria goal needs continued effort and collaboration between governments, private sector, and communities. Let us work together to eradicate malaria.
Prepared by: Dr. Christine Stanly; AIHD Foreign Expert
References
References
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day/2023 Sarpong, E., Acheampong, D.O., Fordjour, G.N.R. et al. (2022). Zero malaria: a mirage or reality for populations of sub-Saharan Africa in health transition. Malar J 21, 314.
Insight AIHD
AIHD joined Mahidol Games 2023
On 10 March 2023 ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), participated in the Opening Ceremony of Mahidol Games 2023 at Mahidol Learning Center (MLC), Mahidol University, Salaya. This event was held under the theme “Good Health and Well-Being” which is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals: SDGs, United Nations (UN) that aims to ensure that everyone has good health and well-being at all ages. The aims of this event were to promote recreational activities and provide sports welfare to university staff. The “Mahidol Games 2023” will take place from 10 March and 5 April 2023.
On 10 March 2023 ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), participated in the Opening Ceremony of Mahidol Games 2023 at Mahidol Learning Center (MLC), Mahidol University, Salaya. This event was held under the theme “Good Health and Well-Being” which is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals: SDGs, United Nations (UN) that aims to ensure that everyone has good health and well-being at all ages. The aims of this event were to promote recreational activities and provide sports welfare to university staff. The “Mahidol Games 2023” will take place from 10 March and 5 April 2023.
AIHD held Songkran 2023 ceremony
On 11 April 2023, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University held Songkran 2023 ceremony at the Administration building, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University. In this regard, AIHD lectures and staff joined the activities and performed the ritual of pouring water over the sacred images of the Buddha. The Songkran festival is held annually by the locals in celebration of the Thai New Year. It is also a Thai tradition that has been preserved for a long time and is a valuable cultural heritage. AIHD has recognized its importance and organized activities to carry on such tradition continually.
On 11 April 2023, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University held Songkran 2023 ceremony at the Administration building, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University. In this regard, AIHD lectures and staff joined the activities and performed the ritual of pouring water over the sacred images of the Buddha. The Songkran festival is held annually by the locals in celebration of the Thai New Year. It is also a Thai tradition that has been preserved for a long time and is a valuable cultural heritage. AIHD has recognized its importance and organized activities to carry on such tradition continually.
AIHD attended the 54th Anniversary of the Royal Bestowal of Mahidol University’s Name and the 135th Anniversary of Mahidol University
On 2 March 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Vice President of Mahidol University and Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, Dr. Naruemol Chantharacherd; Acting for Deputy Director for Administration, Ms. Chatchata Ruangkachorn; Secretary of AIHD attended the 54th Anniversary celebration of the Royal Bestowal of Mahidol University’s Name and 135th Anniversary of Mahidol University at Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University.
On 2 March 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Vice President of Mahidol University and Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, Dr. Naruemol Chantharacherd; Acting for Deputy Director for Administration, Ms. Chatchata Ruangkachorn; Secretary of AIHD attended the 54th Anniversary celebration of the Royal Bestowal of Mahidol University’s Name and 135th Anniversary of Mahidol University at Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University.
