On 05 April 2023, the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office jointly celebrated World Health Day 2023 with the theme "Health for All". The event which occurred at the Ministry of Public Health grounds, commemorated the 75 years of partnership in promoting health and well-being for everyone living in Thailand. It featured keynote speeches from MOPH, UN, WHO officials and special guests. Interesting activities to promote healthy lifestyle were also organized - exercise session, a cooking show on healthy recipes, a mental health application and many other fun booths.
Collaborating for a healthier future: The Ministry of Public Health Thailand and the World Health Organization coming together to celebrate World Health Day- Ministry of Public Health, 05 April 2023 - Bangkok © WHO / Ploy Phutpheng
The Department of Health under the leadership of Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, Director- General, co-hosted the event. He explained that the booths organized by the Department of Disease Control, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Medical Services, and the Food and Drug Administration showcase the achievements in comprehensive spectrum of services available for all- from disease prevention and control, health promotion, health protection, disease treatment and rehabilitation.
Thailand joined WHO as a Member State since 26 September 1947, shortly after the World War II. This made Thailand one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to become a Member State of the WHO. Its sustained commitment to global health and cooperation, and significant achievements in promoting health and well-being has been recognized internationally.
Dr Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, recognized that, "The cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health and WHO throughout the past 75 years has created a society that supports good health for the people. This cooperation will continue to be continuous, stable, and sustainable.”
Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang, former WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia, graced the occasion and reflected on the lessons from the past. He highlighted the health inequities around the world that deprive the people of access to healthcare and the role of health education. He noted the prime importance of the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978, which marked a turning point in achieving accessible, affordable, and equitable health services through Primary Health Care.
In 2002, Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme has greatly improved the lives of people living in the country, especially those in the low-income bracket. This has given the people access to quality healthcare services without the burden of high healthcare cost.
Dr Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand noted "Thailand has become an example of good public health practice and a model for other countries. A strong Primary Health Care system and the UHC scheme were implemented and are now benefitting all the people of Thailand.”
However, the global goal of “Health for All” is a moving target as new health challenges emerge, such as high burden of NCDs, anti-microbial resistance, emergence of new pathogens, impacts of climate change and air pollution, among others. The UN Resident Coordinator for Thailand, Ms. Gita Sabharwal, emphasized the importance of sustaining the gains that Thailand has achieved on SDG 3 and whole-of society approach in policies and programs implementation. She remarked, “going forward I see the role of telemedicine initiatives, health volunteers and the power of social media as increasingly important for transformative results”.
For 2022-2026 the Thai government and WHO are working together on the 6th Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS). The 6th strategic priorities are non-communicable diseases, migrant health, road safety, public health emergencies, digital health platforms, and enhancing leadership of Thailand in Global Health with health information systems to raise the level of Thai public health to be able to cope with ever-changing health factors effectively.
Uniting for Health: standing together and moving forward on WHO's 75th Anniversary, and committed to 'Health For All' on World Health Day- Ministry of Public Health, 05 April 2023 - Bangkok © WHO / Ploy Phutpheng
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