TUN-HPN 2024 “Citizens with good health are regarded as invaluable resources to the nation. Having strong physical well-being and mental health are crucial factors in leading a life of happiness and fulfillment.”
“Citizens with good health are regarded as invaluable resources to the nation. Having strong physical well-being and mental health are crucial factors in leading a life of happiness and fulfillment.”
The Beginning of AUN-HPN: ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network…
The ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network, abbreviated as AUN-HPN, was established in 1995 with the aim of advancing the principles of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion and resolutions from the 4th ASEAN summit in 1992 that urged member states to promote “human resource development so as to further strengthen the existing network of leading universities and institutions of higher learning in the region.”
The AUN-HPN serves as a regional network of academic collaboration among experts in health promotion in educational institutions. It intends to strengthen the role of universities in cultivating healthy lifestyles and conducive environments towards becoming Healthy University through the cooperation of 30 higher education institutions in 10 ASEAN member countries. This is pursued with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for people in the Southeast Asian region through collaborative efforts in health promotion among higher education institutions.
Mahidol University has been designated by the ASEAN University Network (AUN) to serve as the Secretariat of the AUN-HPN network, with ThaiHealth providing support for activities and events in alignment with its goals and strategic plans. In particular, this entails expanding the healthy university network in Thailand and the ASEAN region, along with facilitating the development and widespread implementation of the Healthy University Framework (HUF).
Additionally, the support is also extended to foster participation of universities in the Healthy University Rating System (HURS), promote and disseminate the operational framework of the healthy university network in Thailand to other countries in the ASEAN region, and extend the impacts of these efforts to communities and individuals, thereby leading to better health.
Weaving together international partners: Towards the resilient healthy university network…
Dr. Nuttapun Supaka, Director of Partnership and International Relations Section, touched upon the efforts in supporting the healthy university network, stating, “Health issues pose challenges and are complex, varying across different contexts. The mantra of “prevention before cure” is what ThaiHealth has always upheld in its unwavering efforts in health promotion initiatives. Particularly, our organization intends to unite collaborative efforts with international health partners, especially educational organizations, through international relations activities. This is achieved through the establishment of Thai University Network for Health Promotion (TUN-HPN) to operate in parallel with the ASEAN University Network Health Promotion Sub Network (AUN-HPN) at the ASEAN level.”
Through the recent 2nd International Conference of Thai University Network for Health Promotion, we have seen the growth of the network, with many leading Thai universities becoming the members. What we have always adhered to in our efforts is the Healthy University Framework (HUF), serving as a crucial foundation for advancing universities both at regional and national levels, i.e. ASEAN and Thailand respectively. Beyond promoting campaigns, our efforts are extended to prevention to safeguard public health. Currently, over 40 institutions throughout the ASEAN region have joined our efforts, marking significant growth.
Dr. Nuttapun Supaka concluded by saying, “ThaiHealth is committed to providing support for both of the networks, namely AUN-HPN and TUN-HPN, to collaboratively advance health promotion initiatives, aiming to foster good health in all aspects for Thai and international people.”
Both TUN-HPN and AUN-HPN serve as key mechanisms in advancing health promotion initiatives for people at national and international levels. This is not solely limited to universities but is extended to their surrounding communities. The roles of universities in leading health promotion efforts can influence the development of national policies, thereby contributing to the long-term success of safeguarding public health.
