Thai UHC 2024 Journey Workshop fosters Health Promotion exchange among 10 Asian Countries
Thai UHC Journey Workshop 2024: ThaiHealth, Thailand National Health Commission Office (NHCO) and Co-Host Agencies Welcomed 10 Asian Countries to Share Experience in Advancing Health Promotion and Health Systems Strengthening while Reducing Public Health Expenses
During November 4 – 8, 2024, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) along with several key health organizations in Thailand, including the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), the National Health Security Office (NHSO), the National Health Commission Office (NHCO), the Enhancing Leadership on Global Health-Thailand Program under the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS-EnLIGHT), the International Health Policy Foundation (IHPF) in collaboration with the ThaiHealth Academy (THA) hosted a regional workshop Thai UHC Journey Workshop 2024 under the theme “Health Promotion: A Transformative Pathway towards Sustainable Health and Well-being” in Bangkok Thailand.
The workshop aimed to share and exchange experiences in health promotion with other Asian countries. The event welcomed 25 participants, including government officials, health policy and research experts, and representatives from civil society organizations across ten countries in Asia, including Malaysia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Thailand. Representatives from international organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, Vital Strategies, and Regional Laboratory on Urban Governance for Health and Well-being, also attended.
The workshop also aimed to highlight the significance of health promotion in fostering sustainable changes in health behaviors and well-being. Dr. Prakasit Kayasith, Assistant CEO of ThaiHealth, noted that this was the fourth edition of the annually-held Thai UHC Journey Workshop, designed to showcase and share Thailand’s experiences and achievements in health promotion, which contributed to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and a robust and efficient holistic health system.
Dr Weerasak Putthasri, the Advisor on global health, National Health Commission Office (NHCO) emphasized the importance of participatory public policies in addressing health promotion challenges, particularly Non-Communicable Disease (NCDs). In Thailand, several resolutions from the National Health Assembly (NHA) reflect public polices developed through contributions from diverse groups in Thai society. Notable examples including NHA Resolution 11.3 : Health Literacy for NCDs Prevention and Management and NHA Res 8.4: Policy on reduction of salt and sodium consumption to reduce NCDs. These resolutions focus on Salt Tax Measure, Promoting Thai Restaurant Council to reduce salt and sodium consumption.
Dr. Katherine Ann Reyes, a leading researcher in health promotion at the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, who is one of the participants, shared that this was her first time attending this workshop. This allowed her to learn about ThaiHealth’s two decades of health promotion efforts and the key factors underpinning Thailand’s health system reforms. In the Philippines, despite health promotion laws being in place, the challenge lies in fostering collaboration between policymakers and civil society. As an academic, she noted that Thailand’s case studies could help the Philippines to develop strategies to recognize the significance and value of health promotion across various sectors. While the Philippines has made strides in tobacco consumption control, its alcohol control efforts still need further development. In addition, the knowledge learned here will be useful for health promotion initiatives to raise public awareness about the benefits of adopting healthier behaviors, ultimately easing the Philippines healthcare burden over time.
For more information please visit: https://en.nationalhealth.or.th/2024-thai-uhc-journey-workshop-on-health-promotion-a-transformative-path-towards-sustainable-health-and-well-being/