Department of Health organized ”The Virtual Training Course on Health Impact Assessment for ASEAN Member States”

The Department of Health organized “The Virtual Training Course on Health Impact Assessment for ASEAN Member States” held on 13 to 15 January 2025 at Department of Health, Thailand, and via video conference. This training course was conducted in cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The training was inaugurated by Amporn Benjaponpitak, M.D., MRC Psych, Director-General of the Department of Health, with the honorable presence of Dr. Thiti Sawaengtham, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health. The training was further honored speaker from Mr. Randy Adrian, representative of the ASEAN Secretariat, who provided an overview of Health Priority 12, objectives and targets. Additionally, Ms. Naiyana Chaitiamwong, Director of Health Impact Assessment Division, delivered the background and objectives of the training.

The training aimed to 1) build the capacity of public health practitioners with HIA knowledge and skills in promoting and conducting of HIA, 2) provide an opportunity for sharing knowledge and discussion regarding to HIA practice and
3) facilitate HIA networking among participants to expand HIA activities across ASEAN. The training includes lectures on the principles, methods, and processes of HIA, experience sharing among participants, and the development of dissemination plan. A total of 45 participants attended the training, representing ASEAN Member States, including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand.

As a result of the training, a comprehensive report will be developed and disseminated to all ASEAN Member States. This report is intended to serve as a guiding framework for the application of HIA in accordance with each country’s context. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to ensuring the health and well-being of ASEAN people.