News & Articles
From Pandemic to Present: Why Mental Health Demands Urgent Action
Every day, millions of people struggle silently with their mental health. For some, it means living with constant anxiety; for others, it is the weight of depression that makes daily life difficult. While already significant before 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened these challenges. Why Mental Health is Worsening
How to Communicate Climate Change as a Health Issue
Climate change is often framed as an environmental crisis, but it is equally — and urgently — a health crisis. Rising heatwaves, worsening air pollution, food insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases already threaten communities worldwide. For health professionals and communicators, this is both a challenge and an opportunity:
สรุปประเด็นสำคัญจากงานสัมมนาออนไลน์ | 2 ก.ย. 68
การสัมมนาออนไลน์ เรื่อง การเสริมสร้างความยืดหยุ่นและเตรียมพร้อมด้านสาธารณสุขในเมือง เพื่อรับมือกับการเปลี่ยนแปลงสภาพภูมิอากาศ (Webinar on Building Urban Health Resilience and Preparedness for Public Health Emergencies in response to Climate Change) | 2 กันยายน 2568 บทนำ ดร.สุวจี กู๊ด ที่ปรึกษาด้านปัจจัยทางสังคมที่มีผลต่อสุขภาพและความเป็นอยู่ที่ดีของเมือง องค์การอานามัยโลกภูมิภาคเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ (WHO-SEARO) กล่าวเปิดงานโดยเน้นย้ำถึงความสำคัญของความยืดหยุ่นของเมืองในการเผชิญกับความท้าทายใหม่ ๆ จากการเปลี่ยนแปลงสภาพภูมิอากาศ วัตถุประสงค์ของงานนี้คือ เพื่อให้นายกเทศมนตรีและเจ้าหน้าที่ระดับเมืองมีความรู้ความเข้าใจเกี่ยวกับความยืดหยุ่นด้านสุขภาพในเมืองและการเตรียมพร้อมรับมือภาวะฉุกเฉินด้านสาธารณสุขอันเนื่องมาจากการเปลี่ยนแปลงสภาพภูมิอากาศ เพื่อให้เมืองต่าง ๆ ในภูมิภาคเอเชียใต้และเอเชียตะวันออกสามารถปรับตัวและเตรียมพร้อมรับมือกับความท้าทายต่าง ๆ ได้ดียิ่งขึ้น การเปลี่ยนแปลงสภาพภูมิอากาศและผลกระทบต่อสุขภาพในเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้: ประเด็นสำคัญสำหรับเมือง | Faustina Gomez สาระสำคัญ Faustina Gomez เน้นย้ำถึงความสำคัญของการสร้างความยืดหยุ่นให้กับระบบสาธารณสุขเมื่อเผชิญกับภัยพิบัติจากสภาพภูมิอากาศ
Streets for People—Are We Getting it Right?
The Big Idea: When Climate Solutions Meet Urban Reality Imagine this, busy streets are transformed into quiet walkways with trees, and children can play and neighbors socialize. It is fresh and clean in the air. Cafes are built outside and cars no longer park in the same area, bikers pass
Key Takeaways: Building Urban Health Resilience for Climate-Driven Emergencies
Webinar on Building Urban Health Resilience and Preparedness for Public Health Emergencies in response to Climate Change | 2 September 2025 Introduction Dr. Suvajee Good, WHO SEARO Regional Advisor for Social Determinants of Health and Well-being, opened the session by highlighting the importance of city resilience as the world confronts
Participatory Approach to Climate-Responsive Healthcare in Pune, India
Based on the Global Climate Risk Index, India is the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change. Its diverse climate zones, terrain and ecosystems make it particularly sensitive to climate change-induced hazards such as disasters, epidemics, crop failures, loss of livelihoods and biodiversity, poverty and displacement, among other dangers. An
Innovation for Emergency Rapid Response in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok faces a perfect storm of urban challenges that threaten public health and strain emergency services. As one of the world’s rapidly developing megacities with over 10 million residents, the Thai capital grapples with extreme heat, frequent flooding, and notorious traffic congestion that can mean the difference between life and
🌍 Webinar: Building Urban Health Resilience and Preparedness for Public Health Emergencies in Response to Climate Change
📅 Tuesday, 2 September 2025 ⏰ Time 📍 Online | Zoom Meeting Registration is free but required to receive the Zoom meeting link. 🔹 About the Webinar The World Health Organization South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO) and the Regional Laboratory on Urban Governance for Health and Well-being (RL-UGHW) invite you
Art in Motion: Laan Me Sook as a Playground for All
In Khung Samphao, a riverside community in Chai Nat Province, Thailand, the “Courtyard of Happiness” is transforming everyday public areas into vibrant hubs of sport, art, and community life. Part of the Healthy Space Next Door initiative, Laan Me Sook offers safe, colorful, and accessible areas for all ages to
Understanding Climate Mitigation and Urban Challenges: How Cities Are Fighting Climate Change
What is Climate Mitigation? Climate mitigation means taking actions to reduce or prevent the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere or to enhance natural systems that absorb these gases. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun, warming the planet and causing climate change. Since the
Beyond the Awards: Continuing the Journey
The recent Healthy Cities Network Award Ceremony was more than just an awarding event – it was a call to action. On 28 March 2025, the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office brought together over 120 attendees, including mayors, governors, policymakers, and health officials, to recognize cities that have prioritized public health and sustainable urban development.
Strengthening Local Capacity: WHO Healthy Cities Workshop Empowers Eight Thai Cities Toward Sustainable Urban Health
From 22 to 24 April 2025, the Regional Laboratory on Urban Governance for Health and Well-being (RL-UGHW), in collaboration with Khon Kaen University, the Department of Health, and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a dynamic three-day workshop in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, Thailand. Building on earlier capacity-building
Workshop: Developing Comprehensive City Health Profiles
In partnership with Khon Kaen University, RL-UGHW conducted a workshop for Thai health officials on 4th April 2025. Organised by the Ministry of Public Health and WHO Thailand Country Office, the workshop hosted in Khon Kaen province focused on building the capacity of cities to develop comprehensive health profiles. Based
Celebrating Healthy Cities: WHO Award Ceremony for Healthy Cities
28 March 2025 — The first World Health Organization (WHO) Award Ceremony for Healthy Cities in the WHO South-East Asia Region was conducted virtually on 28th March 2025, bringing together over 120 representatives and partners to recognize the exceptional efforts of 23 cities in advancing health, equity, and urban resilience.
Tackling PM 2.5 in Thailand: A Multifaceted Approach Informed by Diverse Sources
Thailand’s battle with PM 2.5—fine particulate matter known for its serious health implications—has garnered significant attention from government bodies, research institutes, and international organizations. With contributions from a variety of sources, the country is advancing a comprehensive strategy to address air quality challenges. According to TDRI, legislative measures, such as