NHCO and PDA Explore Potential Collaboration on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Living Will
The National Health Commission Office (NHCO) and the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) held a discussion to explore potential areas for future collaboration, with shared interests in advancing adolescent sexual and reproductive health and expanding awareness and access to Living Will.
The discussion highlighted opportunities to build on the complementary strengths and networks of the two organisations. NHCO brings extensive experience in participatory health policy development and social participation, while PDA has long-standing experience in community development and a nationwide network that could help bring health knowledge and services closer to communities.
Advancing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
One potential area of collaboration is the promotion of adolescent sexual and reproductive health, including HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and health literacy among young people.
PDA expressed interest in exploring approaches that can engage adolescents through accessible and relevant communication, particularly through digital and social media platforms. The discussion recognised the importance of enabling young people to access accurate information, develop skills for HIV and STI prevention, and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
The potential initiative could also explore ways to address the health needs of migrant populations, particularly through community-based approaches and improved access to health information and prevention services.
The 19th National Health Assembly (NHA 19) was identified as one potential platform for further exchange and engagement. PDA is interested in contributing to activities related to HIV among young people and migrant workers, including knowledge-sharing and public awareness activities.
Expanding Community Learning on Living Will
Another key area of shared interest is the promotion of Living Will, a written declaration through which individuals can express their wishes in advance regarding medical treatment and care they would or would not want to receive during the end-of-life stage, particularly when they are no longer able to make or communicate decisions for themselves.
Under Section 12 of Thailand’s National Health Act B.E. 2550 (2007), NHCO has a mandate to promote public awareness of this right and support people in making advance directives concerning end-of-life care. Since the enactment of the National Health Act, NHCO has promoted Living Will through standardised written forms and public awareness activities. NHCO has also worked with the Ministry of Public Health to develop guidance for healthcare providers on the laws and practices related to end-of-life care.
As digital technologies and information systems continue to advance, NHCO has also developed the E-Living Will system, providing a digital option for people to record and manage their advance directives.
The E-Living Will system allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatments in advance, while offering greater convenience in updating, storing and accessing their information digitally. Registered healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, as well as authorised substitute decision-makers, can access the individual’s Living Will information through the system when needed.
This digital approach has the potential to make Living Will more accessible and practical for people and communities, while supporting healthcare providers in respecting individuals’ wishes and rights at the end of life.
PDA expressed interest in incorporating Living Will knowledge into its activities for older people and communities. With 16 branches across Thailand, PDA could provide an important community-level platform for raising awareness and expanding people’s understanding of Living Will and the E-Living Will system.
NHCO could support this effort by providing technical knowledge and resource persons to strengthen capacity among PDA’s networks and expand access to information on Living Will at the local level.