SEPO 2, Phitsanulok, received the 2024 Youth Award to reduce the spread of malaria in Thailand.

The staff of SKR.2, Phitsanulok, won the 2024 Youth Award for being leaders in change in solving public health problems. Prevent the spread of malaria in Thailand, reduce the incidence of the disease in neighboring countries.

2-3 years ago, there was a problem in the outbreak of malaria in Thailand In the fiscal year 2023, there were up to 16,538 patients nationwide, up to 9,871 patients in Tak Province and 2,117 patients in Mae Hong Son Division, but with the implementation of integrated work. Making it possible for fiscal year 2024 to prevent the epidemic. and reduced the number of patients nationwide by 7.15%, especially in Tak Province, the number decreased as much as 25.70%

With this success, on October 29, in the Lao People’s Republic Piriya Watakulsin, Disease Prevention and Control Office Staff 2, Phitsanulok Division, Disease Control Division So he won the first prize. Asia-Pacific Action Alliance on Human Resources for Health (AAAH) Youth Award 2024 An international award in the Asia-Pacific region with 22 member countries from Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, and the Eastern Mediterranean Region honoring those who demonstrate leadership transformative in solving public health problems. Participate in a community level movement Demonstrate exceptional leadership and inspire those around you.

Dr Piriya gave an interview to Hfocus news agency which was The award-winning work on solving border health problems was sustainable. Creating a monitoring system on both sides of the border Participation in leading national and international problem solving mechanisms At that time there was a problem with malaria in Thailand. In addition, there is no communication system with parallel organizations in neighboring countries. This causes the number of patients with malaria to increase.

“So I thought of a way to make situational awareness faster. Take yourself to the area to find out what the problem is. The purpose of the revolution is to enter Thailand By contacting NGOs The organization of the education sector and government agencies Integrating more cooperation” Dr. Piriya said and said

During the operation, Dr. Sophon Iamsirithawoorn was Inspector General of the Ministry of Public Health At that time he held the position of Inspector General A coordination center has been established. Under the Mae Sot Hospital Border Public Health Learning Center which includes the government sector, civil society sector Education and Research Department and International Partners come together to be a border health fence.

“There are many malaria patients in the malaria situation in the fiscal year 2022-2023. The immigration trend is very high, but this year the number of cases decreased by 25.70%. The number of patients will be greatly reduced. Help reduce the number of malaria patients on both the Thai and Burmese sides.” Dr. Piriya said.

Dr. Piriya Adding that from the beginning before you know the condition of the disease You will receive reports every 3 months or 1 year, causing you to not be able to respond in time. Patients are flooding into Thailand until the problem is solved. But after coordination and coordination Switch to a weekly check on numbers when you know which sub-regions have higher patient numbers. He will contact you immediately. For the preparation of test equipment Dealing with patients NGOs are available to communicate language so that patients in neighboring countries can take care of their health and protect themselves better.

“I think that solving the problem can be successful. It is important to bring yourself to investigate the problem. In this case, it will be found a case of communication and complex work. Therefore, we collaborate with all departments that see the importance of it. Integration of collaboration and work in the one side. and there is a policy from the executives Both the Inspector General of the Ministry of Public Health Regional Public Health Doctor (Public Health Officer) and the Director of Mae Sot Hospital Make the activity see results. Solve problems in a new way that follows There will be an operational plan. extend to other diseases as well.” Dr. Piriya concludes