20 many years of constructing much healthier communities in Thailand

Dr Supreda Adulyanon, CEO of ThaiHealth, in front of an information board about ThaiHealth.
Dr Supreda Adulyanon, CEO of ThaiHealth, in front of an facts board about ThaiHealth receiving the Nelson Mandela Award for Well being Advertising 2021. Place: ThaiHealth Middle, Bangkok, Thailand / Image Credit: Thai Well being Marketing Basis.

This week at the Planet Wellness Assembly, WHO’s once-a-year large-amount determination-producing occasion, ground breaking and prosperous wellness initiatives from all around the environment ended up regarded for their excellent contributions to community wellbeing.

The 2021 Nelson Mandela Award for Health and fitness Marketing (awarded by the South Africa Mandela Basis) was introduced to the Thai Well being Marketing Foundation (ThaiHealth) for its achievements&#13
in strengthening the well being of each and every Thai citizen.

ThaiHealth, dedicated to the promotion of balanced lifestyles among the people today from all age teams, joins a distinguished line of recipients from very well-regarded experts and scientists to committed men and women and companies who have contributed to advancing&#13
general public well being in excess of the several years.

Dr Supreda Adulyanon, CEO of the ThaiHealth, thinks of the award as a end result of the foundation’s perform on the celebration of its 20th anniversary, which it will celebrate this yr. “It is certainly a little something specific to accept our two a long time&#13
of get the job done,” explained Dr Adulyanon.

He also feels a deep link to the award’s namesake. “Nelson Mandela has been my hero due to the fact I was youthful.”

ThaiHealth has a wide mandate but its primary focuses are alcohol control, tobacco command, road safety and catastrophe management, wholesome diets and bodily action. The foundation cash around 3000 relevant systems in 15 priority regions.

Constant with WHO’s healthier options strategy, ThaiHealth encourages health in communities, workplaces, universities and families. It also places large importance on contributing to improved wellness amid susceptible populations.

School kids are enjoying active play time, Thailand.Faculty young children are savoring active perform time, promoted under the ThaiHealth’s Active Perform campaign. Site: Outside of Bangkok, Thailand / Image Credit score: Thai Wellness Promotion Foundation.

The foundation’s work has contributed to a two-thirds reduction in risky alcoholic beverages use above the earlier decade and has enhanced office well being at more than 20 000 general public and personal businesses. It has also served around 5000 disabled people today&#13
uncover work in addition to lots of other achievements.

Dr Adulyanon added that ThaiHealth has contributed to a considerable change in social norms, which has aided establish a healthier and far more inclusive culture in current yrs.

Collaboration as innovation

A single secret to ThaiHealth’s achievement has been its progressive solution to performing with associates from throughout society, in accordance to Dr Adulyanon. Over 20 000 multisectoral companions have joined the basis, which the medical professional describes as  an&#13
“innovative enabler”.&#13

Group photo during the launch of the “Together Fight NCDs” campaign, Bangkok 2020..Launching the “Together Struggle NCDs” marketing campaign on 29 Oct 2020, presided by Key Minister H.E. Prayut Chan-o-cha (center in dim blue shirt) collectively with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Community Health and fitness H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul (still left of the PM), various cabinet customers, representatives from nationwide health businesses (e.g. Ministry of Community Wellness, ThaiHealth, Health Method Analysis Institute) and suitable associates. Location: The Government Household, Bangkok, Thailand / Photograph Credit: Section of Sickness Control, Ministry of Public Wellbeing, Thailand.

The basis will work with the authorities but also outdoors conventional governmental circles which include with civil culture, academics and neighborhood authorities to provide sectors alongside one another to make communities the “owners of their own wellbeing,” claimed Dr&#13
Adulyanon.&#13

“With a disaster there arrives an opportunity”

After 20 a long time of tricky work, the disaster of a life span, COVID-19, presented ThaiHealth with some one of a kind troubles. Dr Adulyanon and the team stood up to the problem, despite the fact that the foundation’s revenues ended up decreased, and social constraints slice&#13
down the amount of time its employees could expend advertising well being in communities. Using on the job of running chance communications in support of the govt through the pandemic aided ThaiHealth reflect on and elaborate a “new normal”&#13
approach. The basis has assisted people today comprehend that healthy lifestyles are the vital to resilience in the struggle towards COVID-19 but also several other overall health threats. Health advertising is about enhancing well being across generations, not just for the duration of emergencies,&#13
but COVID-19 may well assist travel the information property.

Signing ceremony with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Thailand Public Health Minister Prof. Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn.
WHO DG Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (right), WHO RD for South-East Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh (2nd from ideal), Thailand Public Wellbeing Minister Prof. Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn (center), Advisor to the Ministry of General public Overall health Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert (2nd from left) and ThaiHealth CEO Dr Supreda Adulyanon (left) at the arrangement signing ceremony to extend the memorandum of comprehension (MOU) between the Thai Overall health Promotion Foundation and the Entire world Wellness Group, 2018. Locale: Palais des Nations, Geneva. / Photograph Credit score: Thai Overall health Advertising Foundation.

Reflecting on how WHO has contributed to his foundation’s mission, Dr Adulyanon was crystal clear that the Business has been a longstanding strategic lover to ThaiHealth. In addition to producing a precious network and being a source of learning, ThaiHealth&#13
uses a lot of of the organization’s technological experiences as “backbones” for its do the job.

Summing up his gratitude for remaining offered with the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Marketing, Dr Adulyanon reported: “I know health marketing is not the most effective get in politics but health promotion is of the utmost great importance. Our achievements are the&#13
result of the tricky get the job done of all of our partners whose arms, heads and hearts have served us make it happen”.

Dr Zwelini Mkhize shipped the award on behalf of the South Africa Mandela Foundation. ThaiHealth’s achievement demonstrates Nelson Mandela’s perception that “health can’t be a issue of revenue, it is a elementary human proper,” he&#13
mentioned. ThaiHealth’s contribution to wellness advertising contributes to “all men and women dwelling in Thailand getting the capacity to live in a culture and ecosystem conducive to great health”.