Chulalongkorn University’s Social Projects and Activities: Promoting Health and Well-being in the Community

Outreach and Engagement

Chulalongkorn University regularly conducts continuing activities and programs to promote health and well-being for the general public, including the elderly, underprivileged people, migrants, and refugees from many communities.

Examples of Projects and Initiatives in 2023-2024:

Colon and Liver Cancer Screening Program for the Public Project, March 8–19, 2023

Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev) recognizes the importance of developing public health initiatives to benefit communities and society. To support improved public health, ThaiBev has collaborated with expert medical teams from Chulalongkorn Hospital of the Thai Red Cross Society, the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, Bumrungrad Ratchanakarin Institute of Nephrology, and other health agency networks in Kamphaeng Phet Province and nearby areas to organize the second “Colon and Liver Cancer Screening Program for the Public.” Held at Khlong Khlung Hospital in Kamphaeng Phet, the program aims to enhance quality of life and promote the well-being of the elderly, the underprivileged, migrants, refugees, and other community members in Kamphaeng Phet and surrounding provinces by offering access to efficient healthcare services. The program provides colon and rectal cancer screening through colonoscopy and liver cancer screening, including detection of fatty liver and cirrhosis, using abdominal ultrasound and FibroScan. This preventive initiative is intended to reduce mortality rates by detecting cancer early.

[ https://mgronline.com/qol/detail/9660000029948 ]

Khlong Khlung District in Kamphaeng Phet Province has seen a rising incidence of colon and liver cancer each year, with 26% of the population aged 60 and older. This project is, therefore, valuable as it allows high-risk groups to access quick screening services, which can help decrease the incidence of cancer. For colon cancer screening, approximately 200 high-risk individuals underwent colonoscopy, while 175 individuals at high risk of liver fibrosis received FibroScan testing. A total of 375 people were screened through this program, bringing significant health benefits to the residents of Kamphaeng Phet.

The Malaria-Free Community Project, February 24 – August 31, 2023

The Malaria-Free Community Project, led by the Faculty of Allied Health at Chulalongkorn University Sciences in collaboration with the Raks Thai Foundation, aims to control and reduce malaria transmission among at-risk populations in Thailand’s border provinces of Tak, Sisaket, and Kanchanaburi. The project offers free malaria screening services to high-risk groups such as the elderly, disadvantaged people, travelers, and refugees.

This project emphasizes proactive screening to identify malaria cases in outbreak-prone areas, particularly along border regions where people frequently enter forests to forage or live, exposing them to malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes. By implementing this project, high-risk populations gain access to screening and effective preventive measures. Moreover, it applies research findings to enhance the health and sustainable well-being of these communities. The project also provides students with valuable opportunities to apply their expertise in medical technology, allowing them to serve the community and foster a spirit of social responsibility and public service.

[ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/133263/ ]

The Elderly Health Service Project, March 8-29, 2024

The Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of Chulalongkorn University initiated the Elderly Health Service Project, which was implemented at the Waiwattana Niwas Foundation Elderly Home and the Tai Ban Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital in SamutPrakan Province. This project aims to provide complete health checks for senior residents in care facilities, including upgraded blood and detailed urine tests. Special attention is made to microalbumin urine testing, which incorporates faculty research findings to better support senior health management.

This effort is part of the faculty’s ongoing commitment to provide academic services to society and communities, particularly in eldercare facilities where some residents may not receive adequate health care. Blood and urine testing for these elders aid in early diagnosis and prevention, allowing for prompt treatment. Additionally, this project benefits participating students by blending education with hands-on research, giving them practical experience and a deeper understanding of community health challenges. This approach nurtures a sense of social responsibility, promoting sustainable improvements in the health and well-being of Thai society. The project has been well-received by elderly participants, with satisfaction ratings reaching as high as 97.8%.

[ https://www.chula.ac.th/news/179085/ ]

The Community Health Screening Activity, March 25, 2024

The Office of Property Management (PMCU) organizes the Community Health Screening Activity in Samyan Market in partnership with the College of Public Health Sciences “Chula Health House” Community Innovation Project, which provides preliminary health checks. These include blood pressure readings, heart rate monitoring, and arm and leg muscle strength and flexibility tests. Local vendors, market goers, adjacent towns, and the broader public all benefit from the activity, which provides basic health screenings.

This effort is especially valuable for people who do not have regular access to health check-ups, as it helps detect early health risks. By conducting these screenings on a regular basis, the project not only promotes short-term health improvements but also raises health awareness in the communities surrounding Chulalongkorn University, improving overall quality of life and lowering the risk of chronic conditions like hypertension and heart disease.