The ASEAN Institute for Health Development Hostsed the 1st AIHD International Forum: "Synergizing Global Health, Primary Health Care, and Health Promotion for a Sustainable Future"

4 December 2024

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On December 4, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanwadee Suksaroj, Director of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development, had the honor of delivering the closing speech for the event which was held at the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Bangkok and via an online platform. The event featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Ms. Saima Wazed, Regional Director of the WHO South-East Asia Region (Bangladesh), who presented on “Challenges and Opportunities in Synergizing Global Health, Primary Health Care, and Health Promotion for a Sustainable Future.” Additionally, Mrs. Panudda Boonpala, ILO Deputy Director for the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Thailand), presented a keynote on “Ensuring Effective Access to Quality Health Care without Hardship and Impoverishment: The Role of ILO in Promoting a Rights-Based Approach to Social Health Protection.” The event featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Ms. Saima Wazed, Regional Director of the WHO South-East Asia Region (Bangladesh), who presented on “Challenges and Opportunities in Synergizing Global Health, Primary Health Care, and Health Promotion for a Sustainable Future.” Additionally, Mrs. Panudda Boonpala, ILO Deputy Director for the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Thailand), presented a keynote on “Ensuring Effective Access to Quality Health Care without Hardship and Impoverishment: The Role of ILO in Promoting a Rights-Based Approach to Social Health Protection.” Besides, the forum included a panel discussion on the topic “Synergizing Global Health, Primary Care, and Health Promotion for a Sustainable Future.” Esteemed experts from various sectors participated, including: Dr. Dong (Roman) Xu, Director of Acacia Labs, School of Health Management; Executive Deputy Director of the SMU Institute for Global Health (SIGHT); and Director of the SMU Center for World Health Organization Studies, Southern Medical University (SMU), China. Pharmacist Kanitsak Jantraapipat: Assistance Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office, Thailand. Dr. Orawan Tawaythibhongs: Director of Khao Yoi Hospital, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Warisa Panichkriangkrai, Deputy Director of Global Health Division, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. In the afternoon session, the event also featured presentations of impactful projects from various countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Thailand. Highlights included outstanding research from faculty members of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chirawit Rattanapan, Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, presented “Influence of Environmental Exposure on Epidemics Prevention and Control: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul presented “Community-Based Surveillance and Prevention for Suicide.” Asst. Prof. Dr. Bang-on Thepthien presented “Narcotic Drug Policy and Control: A Comparative Study Between Japan and Thailand from Different Perspectives and Cultural Contexts.” Dr. Chanida Lertpitakpong presented “Transformational Leadership in the Thai Primary Health System.” The forum concluded with a panel discussion featuring AIHD alumni from the Master of Primary Health Care Management program on the topic “Achievements and Challenges: Outcomes of Primary Health Care Implementation by AIHD Alumni.” Panelists included: Mr. Hussain Rasheed, Regional Advisor, World Health Organization, Maldives, Dr. Pajaree Areerop, M.D. Ratchabuti Provincial Public Health Medical Doctor, Thailand, Dr. Mariano Da Silva Marques, Director of Procurement and Contracts, National Institute of Pharmacy and Medical Products, Timor-Leste, Dr. Imran Pambudi, Director of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Indonesia. The session was moderated by Dr. Isaranuwat Yongpisalpob, Deputy Director of Wat Phleng Hospital, Thailand.