BEIJING, China – The Ministry of Public Health recently participated in the 7th China–ASEAN Senior Health Officials Training Workshop in Beijing, with Dr Udom Asawutmangkul, public health inspector for Health Region 4, representing the country. Organized by the Health Human Resource Development Center under China’s National Health Commission, the workshop provided a venue for health officials from across the region to exchange experiences and discuss public health cooperation. Speaking on behalf of ASEAN member states, Dr Udom welcomed continued progress in ASEAN–China public health cooperation and discussed efforts toward a future memorandum of understanding to expand collaboration. He also shared Thailand’s experience in addressing population aging through community-based long-term care, caregiver development, and the integration of digital technologies into healthcare services.
Thailand also presented opportunities to link public health and economic development by promoting traditional medicine from ASEAN countries and China. Officials said traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and scientific innovation can contribute to better health outcomes while creating economic opportunities. The workshop featured presentations on maternal and child health, strategies to support the well-being of children and adolescents, and study visits to pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing facilities and a traditional Chinese medicine museum. Continued cooperation through training and knowledge-sharing programs is expected to help support regional health networks and improve preparedness for future public health challenges. (NNT)
