Strengthening Public Health Systems in the Pacific Rim:
The Role of Research Universities in Responding to Ageing & Chronic Disease,
Infectious Disease and Health Security Issues
June 23-25, 2008 University of Tokyo
The 2008 AWI Public Health Workshop brings together leading scholars and policy advisors from around the world to discuss important public health issues affecting the Asia Pacific region. It presents a unique opportunity for academics and practitioners to network, discuss in depth, and explore ways to collaborate and to engage with government, business and other stakeholders.
The diversity of health threats facing the Asia Pacific region necessitates a variety of preventive strategies both at the national and supranational levels. Crucial to public health preparedness and effective response is the capacity for scientific and technical leadership that translates into appropriate policies and programs, addressing issues and threats even as they emerge. Research universities, through their core activities of capacity building, knowledge discovery and policy influence, have a critical role to play in this regard.
The two-day workshop will focus on three significant challenges facing the region, namely: ageing & chronic disease, infectious disease, and health security issues. Participants will endeavor to develop recommendations regarding possible collaboration among APRU/AWI member universities. A final University Leaders’ Panel, comprising the Presidents/Vice-Chancellors of co-sponsoring universities, will respond to the main points raised and share their visions of how Pacific Rim universities could play a bigger role in strengthening public health systems in the region.
