AIHD held the 40th Founding Anniversary Celebration
On 24 July 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Vice President of Mahidol University and Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD) was honored to preside over the 40th Founding Anniversary Celebration ceremony, 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, academics, and staff at Boonsiri Hall. During the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang offered the lent candles and food to the monks.
There were many honored guests from Mahidol University at this event. The honored guests included Prof. Suroj Supavekin; Deputy Dean of Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya; Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor Dr. Somboon Sirisunhirun; Deputy Dean for Administration of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siripen Ungsitipoonporn; Deputy Director
for Research, Innovation and Finance, Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia, Asst. Prof. Dr. Teera Kusolsuk; Assistant Dean for Faculty Welfare and Special Affairs of Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pirom Chenprakhon; Deputy Director for Education and Networking of Institute for Innovative Learning, Dr. Pattanasak Mongkolwat; Dean of Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Phibul Choompolpaisal; Dean of College of Religious Studies, and Ms. Sasitorn Wongpothisarn; Library and Knowledge Center.
Special Scope
Thai youth and Electronic cigarette use: a socioecological study
Knowledge Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
By Mr. Wichukorn Suriyawongpaisal and; AIHD Research Support team
What is SDGs?
In late 2000s, the global community recognized the significance of societal and environmental well-being as well as international engagement to solve global crises such as poverty and food security which were well pronounced in Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In addition, the MDGs was also criticized by UN member states for being ‘top down’ goals since the high-income countries had more influence in deciding the goals and relevant indicators. As a result, the UN convened with its member states to come up with new goals that could be more holistic and inclusive. As a result, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which consisted of 17 overarching goals addressing multi-dimensional issues in development, were conceived.Since the conception of SDGs, academia and researchers have conducted research to unpack solutions to achieve each goal according to their expertise. ASEAN Institute for Health Development, as an academic institute that focuses on knowledge generation and transfer for primary health care improvement, contributed its efforts to SDG 3 achievement. Some of research outputs related to SDG are presented as follows.
Research Highlights
Below is a list of research articles related to SDG targets 3.2, 3.4, and 3A. For the target 3.2, most of the studies were pooled from multi-national data to determine the newborn-related prevalence and mortality risks.In target 3.4, recent articles from multi-national country studies and a binational country study underline NCDs including mental health related risk factors with a focus on the context of COVID-19 pandemic.Last but not least, research articles on the application on Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) also highlight emerging evidence of e-cigarette, which remains a concerning public health issue for robust interventions to address new vapers and comprehensive policy and regulations
SDG 3 targets List of Articles
– Erchick DJ… Mongkolchati A et al. (2023) Vulnerable newborn types: analysis of subnational, population-based birth cohorts for 541 285 live births in 23 countries, 2000–2021
– Hazel EA… Mongkolchati A et al. (2023) Neonatal mortality risk of vulnerable newborns: A descriptive analysis of subnational, population-based birth cohorts for 238 143 live births in low- and middle-income settings from 2000 to 2017
– Chang YS, Kan MC, Chien LY, Lee EY, Hong SA, Coca KP. (2023) Associations between breastfeeding intention, breastfeeding practices and post-natal depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country cross-sectional study
– Haung Z and Hong SA. (2023) Prevalence and factors associated with treatment and control of hypertension among adults with hypertension in Myanmar
– Kim SJ, Aye YM, Panyarachun D, Hong SA, Chang YS. (2023) Social support for postpartum women and associated factors including online support to reduce stress and depression amidst COVID-19: Results of an online survey in Thailand
– Coca KP, Chien LY, Lee EY, Prima Souza AC, Hong SA, and Chang YS. (2023) Factors associated with postpartum depression symptoms among postpartum women in five countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online cross-sectional study
– Hong SA and Buntup D (2023) Maternal Depression during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Countries: A Scoping Review
– Seeherunwong A, Tipayamongkholgul M, Angsukiattitavorn S, et al (2023) Association between socioecological factors and electronic cigarette use among Thai youth: an institution-based cross-sectional study
– Bangon T, Tinn CS, Sharma R. (2023) Establishing the Association Between Traditional Tobacco, E cigarette and Dual Use and Mental Health Problems Among High School Students: Results from a 2022 Behavioral Surveillance Survey
AIHD Updates
AIHD held a meeting to develop and improve the Master of Arts Program in Addiction Studies program
On 16 June 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Vice President of Mahidol University and Acting Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Bang-On Thepthien; Acting Program Director, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seo Ah Hong; Program Lecturer held a meeting to discuss and exchange knowledge with the experts from various faculties within Mahidol University to develop and improve the Master of Arts Program in Addiction Studies at Ratchapruke Room and online via Zoom Meeting.The aim of this meeting was to develop the Master of Arts Program in Addiction Studies into a 2-degree, 1-program curriculum called “Integrated” Master of Liberal Arts and Science in Addiction Studies.
AIHD welcomed University Council Visit
Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D.; President of Mahidol University, and University Council Visit committee at Krasae Chanawongse Room, and online via Zoom Meeting.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang presented the strategies and operational directions in various areas for the institute for the next 2 years. AIHD will focus on research work to create innovative models in Global Health and Primary Health Care, aim to become the WHO CC in Global Health (Primary Health Care), develop graduate programs, develop the Mini Master of Management in Health program for CLMV, and expand the project “Developing the capacity of the ASEAN University Network in Health Promotion” to increase the number of members and extend it to the school level. Mahidol University Council Committee expressed their appreciation for the institute’s operations and provided suggestions to develop and improve them, aiming to establish a clear direction in the future.
AIHD signed the MoU with CPI
On 14 July 2023, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs and Community Partners International (CPI), Thailand represented by Dr. Si Thura; Executive Director and Tom WJY Traill; Director (Research & Policy) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for academic cooperation at Boonsiri Conference Room, AIHD.The aim of this MoU is academic collaboration through 1) exchange of students, staff and non-academic staff, 2) organization of joint research programs, and 3) exchange of research materials, publications and information
AIHD held the closing ceremony for Masters Programs
In this regard, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sineewanlaya Wichit; the representative from Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University and Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director General of TICA (Thailand International Cooperation Agency) gave congratulatory messages to the graduates.
AIHD held a meeting with Ajinomoto Foundation to discuss on S.M.A.R.T.S Model School
Kitti Sranacharoenpong; head of research project, and staff from Research Promotion Unit welcomed and held discussions with Mr. Teerachai Khunticulla, Director and Deputy Secretary-General and his colleagues on the project collaboration under Memorandum of Research Agreement- S.M.A.R.T.S Model school by Ajinomoto for Thais: Better Nutrition, Stronger Nation Project.
This project involves collaboration in research, education, workshops, and evaluation and development, which will lead to achieving sustainable development goals in the future.
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 collaborated with Juntendo University to organize an International Training program titled “Social and Health Development in Thailand”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs welcomed lecturers from Juntendo University, Japan and other participants.
A total of 30 participants, including medical and nursing students gathered to exchange knowledge and ideas about Social and Health Development. The international training was held between 6-14 August 2023 at ASEAN Institute for Health Development.
AIHD held orientation ceremony for the academic year 2023
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 in the Master of Primary Health Care Management program. The students were informed about their program curriculum, the teaching and learning process, and some guidelines. Before the conclusion of orientation ceremony, the students were given an opportunity to ask questions during the Question and Answer session.
AIHD conducted the project
On 8 August 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitti Sranacharoenpong is a Principal Research Project Leader of the Lao Breast milk’s project conducting in Luang Pra Bang, Lao PDR for 2 years. He presented the results of the project collaborating with the Ministry of Health, Lao PDR. The results of this project are important for Lao lactating women and their infants. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are the most important to their development – and the economic success of the country. This is such excellent opportunities for ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University in Thailand and Ministry of Health, Lao PDR to collaborate among governments, NGOs, academics, scientists, healthcare professors, parents and caregivers to give this issue the profile, commitment and – most importantly – the targeted investment it supports early childhood development programs in Lao PDR for sustainability.
AIHD held International Public Speaking event
This activity was honored by the presence of Emeritus Prof. Shinichi Ishizuka; Faculty of Law, Ryukoku University, Japan, Prof. Dr. David Brewster, Kanazawa College of Art, Japan and University of Hong Kong; Prof. Dr Yasuhiro Maruyama Professor, Faculty of Law, Rissho University, Japan, Asst. Prof. Dr. Bang-On Thepthien; Acting program director of Master of Arts Program in Addiction Studies.
This activity the joint research plan ”A Comparative study on Policy, Law and the Enforcement of Narcotic Drug: Cross-National between Thailand and Japan”This event was supported by the project “Bilateral Joint Research Projects/Seminars between Thailand and Japan” which is funded by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS between 2021 and 2024.
AIHD attended ICBA 2023
Dr. Bang-on delivered the presentation titled “Mediating effects of self-control, alcohol use, compulsive internet use and social media between drug abuse and gambling problem among Thai adolescents and young adults.
AIHD participated in the 2023 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Forum On 30 August 2023
ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University represented by Assoc. Prof. Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; AIHD lecturer was invited to join the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Forum in China. She was honored as a guest speaker in the forum titled “China-ASEAN Infectious disease prevention and development cooperation”.China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Forum served as a platform to exchange knowledge, promote collaboration in public health science and technology and enhance research promotion capabilities in public health between China and ASEAN countries. This event was organized by China-ASEAN Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Public Health, led by Peking University Health Science Center
AIHD Spotlight
Miss Alina Pant
Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development Program Student Postgraduate Student Mobility Program, Fiscal Year 2023, Mahidol University
Miss Ni Made Laksmi Gita Hapsari
Master of Primary Health Care Management Student Outstanding Oral Presentation from14IGSCPP
Mrs. Trisnasari
Master of Primary Health Care Management Student Outstanding Oral Presentation from14IGSCPP
Mr. Ebrima Bah
Master of Primary Health Care Management StudentOutstanding Oral Presentation from14IGSCPP
Miss Pimpitcha Kangyang
Master of Primary Health Care Management Student Outstanding Poster Presentation from14IGSCPP
AUN-HPN Updates
On 2 May 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN and Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development together with the Steering Group of IHPU&C from various countries, namely Canada, United Kingdom, United States, India, Ireland and Australia attended the International Health Promoting Universities & Colleges (IHPU&C): Steering Group Meeting via Zoom Meeting Platform.
The IHPU&C Steering Group was established to support and provide guidance for the development of partnerships and operations of the health promoting universities and colleagues worldwide under the concept of Okanagan Charter University Network for Health Promotion. In this regard, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj presented a brief history of AUN-HPN and network activities. Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, on behalf of the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office, extended her gratitude to Prof. Mark Dooris, former chair of the IHPU&C Steering Group for being a keynote speaker at the 3rd AUN International Health Promotion Conference on January 20, 2023.
During 5 -6 July 2023, representatives from the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office attended the 14th ASEAN University Network Rectors’ Meeting under the theme “Changes in Global Higher Education and How Top Universities in ASEAN Respond” and the 38th ASEAN University Network Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Vice President for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Mahidol University was the moderator for the discussion in Session 1: Mapping the Big Picture “What is the big picture of Higher Education, and how can ASEAN and AUN be a better part of it?” The panelists and their topics of discussion were as follows:
Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development on the topic of the “progress report on the implementation of the Healthy University Rating System (HURS)”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN and Acting Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University on the topic of the “progress report of the ASEAN University Network Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN)”
On 28 – 29 August 2023, AUN-HPN Secretariat Office welcomed the visiting team from Osaka University at Krasae Chanawongse Meeting Room, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University – Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. During this occasion, both parties discussed possibilities and potential collaborations in academic endeavors through educational and research projects. Furthermore, representatives from the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office engaged in discussions with the Osaka University team on opportunities to expand the implementation of Healthy University Rating System (HURS) to the network of universities in Japan.
As Osaka University will be the Co-Host for the upcoming 8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting in November 2023 in Tokyo, Japan, both parties also took this opportunity to discuss for the event preparation. Osaka University is considered to be one of AUN-HPN associate members committed to fostering sustainable and high-quality health promotion initiatives in line with the AUN Healthy University Framework (HUF).
Healthy University Rating System (HURS) is a tool used to track the progress and success of a health promotion university. Let us learn and share experiences and best practices for promoting the health and well-being of people in your university and network. Award Presentation 2022 The Healthy University Rating System (HURS) 2022 Award was given in appreciation and recognition of their success and effort in developing a healthy campus for its community. Indonesia As part of this strategic trip in Indonesia during May 1-4, 2023, Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., President of Mahidol University along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Vice President for International Relations and Corporate Communication, and Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development congratulated and presented a certificate and trophy to Universitas Indonesia (UI), Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Airlangga University which have participated in the Healthy University Rating System (HURS) 2022 Malaysia As part of their trip to the 14th ASEAN University Network Rectors’ Meeting and the 38th ASEAN University Network Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Vice President for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Mahidol University together with Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN and Acting Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University congratulated and presented a certificate and trophy to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia which participated in the Healthy University Rating System (HURS) 2022. Meeting of HURS Validator On May 31, 2023, ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) Secretariat Office organized a meeting of HURS validators together with the Committee on Healthy University Rating System (HURS) Development. The objective of this meeting was to discuss the internal development of the Healthy University Rating System (HURS) to be more efficient. In this regard, distinguished experts from 10 faculties/ divisions at Mahidol University, namely Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital; Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital; Faculty of Public Health; Hospital for Tropical Diseases; Faculty of Medical Technology; College of Sports Science and Technology; student affairs division and Human resource division were invited to help review, provide suggestions and discuss the details of the updated HURS questionnaire version 2023. HURS Workshop: “Improving Healthy University Implementation based on Healthy University Rating System (HURS)” On August 18, 2023, Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., President of Mahidol University, presided over the opening ceremony of the workshop – “Improving Healthy University Implementation based on Healthy University Rating System (HURS)”. In this regard, Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University, and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development, served as a keynote speaker during the workshop. This workshop, aimed to provide participants with an opportunity to gain insights into the latest version of HURS, specifically focusing on the proper utilization of HURS version 2023 and the correct method of inputting university data into the updated HURS system. Moreover, it was to enhance the effectiveness of implementing health promotion initiatives in line with the quality standards outlined in the framework of Health Promoting Universities in the ASEAN region. Notably, the workshop was privileged to host three esteemed guest speakers from distinguished AUN-HPN member universities, three of which had achieved a 5-star rating in HURS Version 2022: Professor Yayi Suryo Prabandari, Chair of Health Promoting University from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jemaima Che Hamzah, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia, and Dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.D., Secretary to the University and Chairperson of Taskforce for Disaster-prepared Healthy Sustainable Campus, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia. These speakers generously shared their universities’ experiences and best practices in promoting health and fostering a culture of wellness within their institutions. The success of this workshop was significantly bolstered by the support from Mahidol University and Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), alongside the collective dedication of universities across the ASEAN region. These institutions collectively acknowledge the pivotal role of HURS in propelling their journey towards gaining international recognition as Health Promoting Universities. Over 70 participants from 21 leading universities in 7 ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand attended this workshop via Zoom Meeting Platform. Healthy University Rating System (HURS) Version 2023 The annual evaluation of Healthy University Rating System (HURS) has officially launched the key-in of data process from August 15 to November 16, 2023, lasting for a duration of three months. Universities interested in participating in the annual HURS evaluation can register at the following link: https://forms.gle/v2LS12PTFVxAmB3LA
The 14th AUN-HPN Steering Committee Meeting
On 22 June 2023, Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., President of Mahidol University presided over the 14th AUN-HPN Steering Committee Meeting at Krasae Chanawongse Conference Room, 2nd floor, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University and via Zoom Meeting Platform. Also attended in the meeting were Dr. Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn, M.D., Advisor of the AUN-HPN Steering Committee; Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development; Clinical Prof. Dr. Sirichai Kiattavorncharoen, M.D., Dean of Faculty of Dentistry; Assoc. Prof. Chalat Santivarangkna, Director of the Institute of Nutrition; Ms. Wanpimon Senapadpakorn, Director of International Relations Division and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN and Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development; representative from Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and various departments in Mahidol University. Highlighted topics of discussion were the outcomes of AUN-HPN Phase 2 (2019-2023), updates on health promotion implementation from AUN-HPN member universities, AUN-HPN Phase 3 workplan, consideration for accreditation of an additional AUN-HPN associate member: King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi. Furthermore, the meeting jointly discussed and provided suggestion on how to expand the network and to drive health promotion policies through the adoption of AUN Healthy University Framework (HUF) and the participation in the Healthy University Rating System (HURS)
8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee Meeting and AUN-HPN symposium at the Global Health Congress in November 2023
ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) in collaboration with Osaka University (IAC meeting Co-Host 2023) has the honour to invite you to attend the 8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting is scheduled to be held on November 24, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. On the next day, you are also invited to the 120-min AUN-HPN Symposium entitled “Pathways to Sustainable Universities: Best Practices from AUN-HPN and HURS” in the Global Health Congress 2023 on November 25, 2023 at University of Tokyo, Japan.
The 8th AUN-HPN IAC Meeting aims to bring together representatives from AUN member universities to provide valuable insights and expertise towards advancing health promotion initiatives within ASEAN. With a focus on sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and shaping the AUN-HPN workplan, this meeting seeks to strengthen the foundation for healthier and more sustainable universities across the region. As for the 120-min AUN-HPN Session at the Global Health Congress, it is a dynamic platform showcasing the transformative impact of the ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) in fostering effective health promotion policies and practices through collaborative efforts among ASEAN countries. If you are interested in participating in our event, please do let us know by contacting the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office via aunhpn@mahidol.ac.th