Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Prof. Keerati Chareancholvanich, Chief of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Dr. Jos Vandelaver, WHO Representative, Thailand
Dignitaries, colleagues, and friends;
I am pleased to be here today for this signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.
I think you will all agree that this MOU reflects our efforts to support the Member States of our region and, most importantly, to benefit the people we serve.
As we know, globally, the burden of injury is immense. The resulting pain, disability, loss of independence, and premature deaths impose a substantial and growing financial burden on societies worldwide.
There is much to be done in our region, including generation of evidence, developing human resources and supporting countries to institutionalize the prevention and management of trauma, and injury.
Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, the World Health Organization has adopted related resolutions, and our ‘Step Safely’ technical package offers evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage falls across diverse populations.
Today’s collaboration will play an important role in advancing these initiatives. Siriraj Hospital’s expertise in trauma, injury, and falls will be a significant asset to WHO’s efforts in these areas. With this expertise, the institute will support our countries through health workforce training, regional workshops, and research to strengthen prevention, care, and data management.
I am very pleased that the objectives of this MOU — to build capacity, generate evidence, and develop clinical pathways — are fully aligned with WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, and with SDG targets. This collaboration will help us fulfil WHA resolution mandates and will help health outcomes in our region.
My thanks to Prof. Piyamitr Sritara, President of the Mahidol University, Prof. Apichat Asavamongkolkul Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Keerati Chareancholvanich, Dr Chandhanarat Chandhanayingyong and the entire team at Siriraj Hospital.
My thanks to Dr Jos, our WHO Representative to Thailand; our colleagues at our WHO Thailand country office; and my Regional Office colleagues for working hard to make this happen. Special gratitude to Dr Thaksaphon (Mek) Thamarangsi , Director of Programme Management, WHO Regional Office for championing this.
Thank you, and congratulations to you all.