Thai UHC Journey Workshop 2024: ThaiHealth 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 to share and exchange knowledge and 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, the 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 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. Additionally, the event focused on building a network for international cooperation,
underlining that health promotion involves not only individual healthcare but also the development
of public policies and the creation of enabling environments at all levels – individual, community,
social, and structural – in line with the 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion.
“Today’s world is grappling with a variety of interconnected and overlapping modern
challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, demographic shifts, digital disruption, the
impacts of trade on health, and non-communicable diseases. In response, each country must
develop UHC policies to provide comprehensive healthcare to its citizens while easing their
health-related financial burdens. Achieving this requires a robust and efficient health system
encompassing health promotion, disease prevention, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and
palliative care. Health promotion, in particular, is a crucial component in addressing health
determinants through multi-sectoral approach, serving as a transformative pathway to improved
and more sustainable well-being,” said Dr. Prakasit.
Dr. Warisa Panichkriangkrai, Program Manager of the Enhancing Leadership on Global
Health-Thailand Program under the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS-EnLIGHT), stated
that the development of the effective health system and the alleviation of health-related financial
burdens are the cornerstones of a robust UHC system. These efforts ensure equitable and
universal access to healthcare services. Thailand’s health system development began in 1972
with the implementation of primary healthcare policies, which led to the establishment of primary
healthcare infrastructure in remote areas nationwide. The country’s subsequent key milestones
include the founding of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) in 2001 and the
implementation of the UHC policy in 2002. In addition, a crucial component of Thailand’s primary
healthcare system is ‘village health volunteers,’ having over one million members nationwide, who
contributed to advancing public health systems, health promotion, and disease prevention.
“A key lesson from the development of Thailand’s health system is that policies on health
promotion must be formulated and translated into practices. The health system should also enable
healthcare professionals to work systematically throughout the country. Moreover, the benefits
provided under the UHC scheme must encompass both health promotion and disease
prevention. Most importantly, contributions from all sectors — policymakers, academics, and
members of the civil society — are indispensable for advancing health promotion sustainably and
effectively, especially in the face of changing health factors,” said Dr. Warisa.
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.
