BANGKOK, 25 August 2023 - The Thailand Ministry of Public Health awarded the "Thailand Healthy Cities Awards 2023" at the TK Palace and Convention, recognising local administrative organisations (LAOs) for their remarkable achievements in urban health. Municipalities such as Udon Thani, Phibun Mangsahan, Roi Et, and Nakhon Si Thammarat were among the notable winners. With over 250 health professionals and authorities in attendance, the event highlighted Thailand's alignment with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Healthy Cities standards, underlining the country's commitment to boosting urban health and well-being on its own.
The WHO's emphasis on developing health-friendly urban environments was perceptible at the event. Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative in Thailand, emphasised the need of "Healthy cities for safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities," referring to the seminal Ottawa Charter on Health Promotion from 1986. This charter emphasised the importance of supportive surroundings, community-driven health initiatives, and policies that prioritise health and well-being.
Dr. Atthaphon Kaewsamrit, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, addresses the gathering, outlining Thailand's vision for a healthier urban future. © DOH, MoPH
The Department of Health's Deputy Director-General, Dr. Atthaphon Kaewsamrit, emphasised Thailand's goal of elevating 1,000 cities to "Healthy City" status by 2027. This goal is consistent with WHO's vision for urban health. To accomplish this, health-centric city planning, community participation, and robust monitoring methods to measure health benefits must all be implemented.
The award criteria, which include Healthy Environments, Healthy Settings, and Healthy People, align with WHO's overarching idea that health extends beyond hospitals and focuses on fostering flourishing communities.
Awardees take center stage, sharing their transformative journeys and success stories in a panel discussion on urban health achievements © DOH, MoPH
Throughout the programme, panel discussions emphasised actual initiatives in urban planning based on health principles. The mayors of the award-winning cities offered experiences from their transitions, notably those from industrial to health-focused communities, demonstrating Thailand's forward-thinking approach to urban health. Group discussions addressed previous accomplishments as well as present obstacles and outlined the next steps, emphasising Thailand's commitment to an urban health vision in accordance with WHO principles.
Dr. Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative to Thailand, addressing the audience with insights on global health initiatives and their local relevance © DOH, MoPH
"Thailand's Healthy Cities initiative, which promotes holistic health and environmental harmony, is in sync with WHO's long-standing objective. Importantly, our efforts are directly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which establish a baseline for comprehensive health and environmental goals. In these trying times, Thailand has envisioned a resilient and health-focused urban future for everybody." Dr. Jos Vandelaer stated.
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