ILO and Thailand's Mahidol University partner to improve social health protection in Asia

The new agreement will involve a regional network that promotes knowledge-sharing on social health protection.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has signed a Momorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thailand's Mohidol University to strengthen social health protection in Asia. This partnership will support research, training, and policy development to improve access to healthcare and sustainable health financing.

A key focus of the collaboration is CONNECT, a regional network that promotes knowledge-sharing on social health protection. The partnership will also enhance the Master of Primary Health Care Management (MPHM) programme, which includes a special track on social health protection.

Mahidol University’s ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD) will play a central role in this initiative. With its expertise in global health, AIHD will help bring together universities, governments, and organisations at national, regional and global levels.

By combining ILO’s global policy leadership with Mahidol University’s academic strengths, this partnership aims to build a new generation of leaders in social health protection. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure more inclusive and sustainable healthcare systems across Asia.

Prof Piyamitr Sritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University commented: "It formalises our shared commitment to enhancing capacity-building, research, and the exchange of knowledge for social health protection."

Lead image / International Labour Organisation