Public Health
The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) Public Health Network is part of the ASEM Initiative for the Rapid Containment of Pandemic Influenza. This initiative was launched in 2009 by the leaders of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to combat the Influenza A (H1N1) and possible human influenza pandemics. Its purpose is to create a platform to address public health issues across Asia and Europe, as well as to build up a stockpile of anti-viral drugs and personal protection equipments.
ASEF Public Health Network is a participatory platform to encourage dialogue between health and non-health sector representatives from Asia and Europe. It engages multiple-sector stakeholders in areas such as risk communication for public health emergencies, infectious diseases, pandemics and migrant health. This is done through joint Asian-European research projects, developing pandemic preparedness and response strategies, and producing policy recommendations for ASEM governments. The Network receives financial support from the Government of Japan.
Participants and organisers at the Workshop on Effective Risk Communication
for Public Health Emergencies and the Role of Social Media
Partner:
Workshop
3-4 June 2013
Indonesia
The workshop on Effective Risk Communication for Public Health Emergencies and the Role of Social Media brought together 31 experts in risk communication from various sectors, including government agencies, international organisations, the private sector, health media correspondents, and online opinion leaders. Participants discussed current risk communication plans and identified challenges in view of the rapidly-changing nature of risk communication due to the growing spread and influence of social media. The workshop concluded with a set of 3 proposals on innovative approaches to social media mapping, integrating health into media, and developing an
open-source big data management system.
Policy Dialogue
15-16 July 2013
Germany
The workshop on Developing a Better Policy Context for Social Enterprises in Asia and Europe brought together policy-makers and social enterprise experts from 24 countries across Asia and Europe to explore how to create a better policy environment for social enterprises. The participants comprised senior civil servants, chief executives, and high-level representatives from social enterprises. Participants emphasised the importance of social values in a global economy and the need for stronger policy and legal support to social enterprises.
Dialogue, Developing a Better Policy Context for Social Enterprises in Asia and Europe
Partner:
ASEF Public Health Network's 4th Advisory Group Meeting
Expert Consultation
16-17 September 2013
Denmark
In February 2013, the ASEF Public Health Network's 4th Advisory Group Meeting brought together representatives from 7 member organisations to strengthen future plans for the Network and review its past programmes. It addressed how the exchanges facilitated by ASEF have contributed to improve bi-regional cooperation on public health. As a follow-up to the discussions and outcomes, an expert consultation on Strengthening Bi-regional Capacity for Managing Public Health Emergencies was held in September 2013. This helped to prioritise 'Risk Communication for Public Health Emergencies' as one of the main areas of work for the ASEF Public Health Network in the future. Potential joint activities were also identified to maximise synergies from the existing collaborations between ASEF and its stakeholders.
Public Talk
9-10 October 2013
Italy
The ASEF Public Health Network, in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan, Italy and Fondazione ISMU, organised a public talk on Health of Chinese and Filipino Migrants in Milan: Present Challenges, Potential Opportunities to present the outcomes of a research study commissioned by ASEF. This joint research, The Health Dimension of Asian Migration to Europe, was conducted by Fondazione ISMU in Italy and the Yuchengco Center in the Philippines. The research identified major barriers that Chinese and Filipino migrants face in using the healthcare services provided for them in Italy and Spain. These difficulties include health service providers' lack of intercultural competencies and limited opportunities to engage migrants in health policy development. The researchers formulated recommendations on medical pluralism, intercultural competencies, and an inclusive policy process.
Audience at the Public Talk on Health of
Chinese and Filipino Migrants in Milan: Present Challenges, Potential Opportunities
Partners:
