Asia Study Tour 2001
The 2001 Study Tour visited three culturally diverse Asian countries: Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand and the following themes were explored in some depth: Maternal and Child Health, Sustainability and Environmental Health.
In each country visited, the program covered:
- its history, culture, social and business customs (this included taking part in a traditional meal)
- the current economic outlook and business/legal/political environment, especially for foreign organisations, as understood by the local Australian Embassy or Consulate
- how Government and non government organizations (NGOs) undertake programs to improve the health of people especially mothers and children in the three countries
- environmental health issues
Organisations participating in the core program included the Health Department, Sarawak. UNICEF in Bangkok and WHO in Manila. A highlight was a visit with Reach Out in Manila which gave us an insight into how they provide advice on Sexually Transmitted Diseases especially HIV/AIDS to workers in the sex industry at Angeles City.
Briefings were given from the Australian Embassies in Bangkok and Manila and these were very important in providing participants with broad economic and political overviews from which they could make sense of the information they gained in the site visits. The meetings with the Deputy Chief Minister for Sarawak, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr George Chan Hong Nam and the Director of Health Dr Yao, and senior officers (Gary Tay, Andrew Sia and Flo Ong) in Sarawak were particularly memorable.
Dr George Chan hosted the group for lunch at the Sarawak Club and the Sarawak Health Department hosted us for Dinner out at the Damai Fishing Village (George Chan's recommendation). Meetings with NGOs such as the World Health Organisation in Manila and UNICEF in Bangkok were regarded as especially important for the four postgraduate International Health participants.
Study tours are excellent ways of ensuring that students obtain an international experience under guidance. A study tour such as this enables students to see health practices in other countries and to visit places and organizations they would not normally have access to.
Helen Fairnie
March 2002
