A Symposium on:
Child health in Asia for the future
Cooperative Program of Asian Pediatricians, 10th Anniversary Meeting
24 to 28 August 1998 in Salaya, Bangkok, Thailand
Objectives of the discussion
Scan general opinions on the status of child health in Asia today; and
Generate and present ideas on what activities can bring a "healthier life style" for children in Asia.
Symposia presentors
Dr. Narayan Basnet, Dr. Adelaida Gallardo, Dr. Suchat Hongsiriwon, Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, Dr. Raham Niaz, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, and Dr. Yu Bin Wu
Chairpersons for the symposium
Dr. Akira Okamoto and Dr. Jonathan Flavier
Opinions on the status of child health in Asia today
From IMR and under-5 mortality (with better nutrition, EPI); child health in Asia is improving but not satisfactory.
Stronger view that, because of the vast disparity within and among nations, children in Asia are not healthy.
Other statements
Child health is related to the condition of parents as well e.g. education/access to information of parents;
There is improving birth and living environment e.g. urbanization, lifestyle changes, opportunities for children;
Child health is also related to the economic/financial condition, affected by corruption of state officials, mis-allocation of resources away from health; and
People's participation is important for assuring better health for children.
Suggested activities to bring a "healthier life style" for children in Asia
Improve partnership of the government and people with people's participation and freedoms, and improved regulation for example;
Pay attention to considerations like economics, technology, education, agriculture, population;
Prioritize problems that will be addressed and undertake reforms to improve efficiency;
Even with globalization, recognize differences in context among different countries and the different solutions that would be required;
Advocate for change with information and data; and
Among friends, do not be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem but focus on the small things that we can do to contribute to improve child health.