28/05/2025
On May 28, 2025, from 09:00 to 13:00, Assistant Professor Dr. Phitsanurak Kantawee Head of the Cross Border Health Care Unit-MFU, and Associate Professor Dr.Sasitorn Chusri from Biomedical Technology Research Group for Vulnerable Populations, Mae Fah Luang University. a multidisciplinary team of researchers and academic professionals conducted a field visit to the Champasak Provincial Health Department, Lao PDR, to formally disseminate the findings of a recent study on blood contamination among agricultural workers in the region. The visit served as a platform for scientific communication and stakeholder engagement, focusing on individuals whose blood samples revealed elevated levels of chemical residues exceeding internationally accepted safety thresholds. The team presented empirical data, assessed associated health risks, and facilitated a participatory discussion to identify effective prevention strategies and public health interventions aimed at reducing chemical exposure among local populations.
This initiative directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, by strengthening local health systems and addressing environmental determinants of health; Goal 2: Zero Hunger, by promoting safe and sustainable food production; and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through efforts to reduce the use of hazardous agrochemicals. Moreover, the session included in-depth discussions on promoting organic agriculture in the Pak Chong area of Champasak Province as a sustainable pathway to improve community health and environmental resilience.
In addition to data dissemination and community dialogue, the program included a capacity-building training session for local public health personnel, focusing on improving health literacy, risk communication, and early detection of chemical exposure-related conditions. At the conclusion of the event, certificates of participation were awarded to the attending health officials and personnel, acknowledging their active involvement in the training and their role in advancing public health initiatives in the region. This integrative approach, combining scientific evidence, local engagement, and professional development, demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and health equity in agricultural communities.