ThaiHealth unites international network to promote good health
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) is hosting the 20th International Network of Health Promotion Foundations meeting, with a focus on promoting equal well-being for all and preparing for upcoming changes in healthcare trends.
Held in Bangkok from November 7 to 10, the meeting is a product of the longstanding and strong collaboration between ThaiHealth and the International Network of Health Promotion Foundations (INHPF).
This year’s event centres on the theme "The Next Step of INHPF: Advancing Health Promotion Innovations for Equitable Well-Being."
Dr Supreda Adulyanon, the Chief Executive Officer of Thai Health, said the meeting is a significant milestone as it marks the first in-person gathering for members of INHPF since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The INHPF’s network now includes seven organisations across the globe, namely Australia’s Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation, Korea Health Promotion Institute, Taiwan Health Promotion Administration, Tonga Health Promotion Foundation, and Singapore Health Promotion Board.
This event offers members the opportunity to discuss and stay updated on changing trends and engage in knowledge-sharing, Dr Supreda added.
He also pointed out that the collaborative meeting would help in finding solutions for health challenges that Thailand is currently grappling with, such as an ageing population, inequality, the rising prevalence of cigarette and e-cigarette use, and the harms associated with alcohol consumption.
Dr Supreda emphasised that the event also aims to advance equitable well-being for all individuals, irrespective of their social status, race, or economic standing, by promoting not only improvements in the healthcare system but also by introducing new methods of promoting health, including promotion of spiritual health.
Meanwhile, Dr Sandro Demaio, the head of INHPF, said that Thailand is currently at the forefront of health promotion in the region, adding: “INHPF is stronger when we listen and work closely with partners who are facing many of the same challenges and have solutions that we can learn from.”
Dr Sandro, who also serves as the CEO of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, expressed confidence that the region's impending difficulties could be successfully addressed with cooperation.
Since its establishment in 2001, ThaiHeath has received numerous accolades in recognition of its achievements. Among them is the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion in 2021, conferred by the World Health Organisation in recognition of ThaiHealth’s noteworthy contribution to societal health promotion.
