University of Udayana and ANU Forge Innovative Partnership for Global Impact in Public Health

• By Admin
• Jumat, 8 Desember 2023

In a landmark move to bolster international collaboration and enhance the global reach of the University of Udayana, the Master Program of Public Health (PH) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen ties with the prestigious Australian National University (ANU). The Head of the Master Program of PH recently convened a high-stakes stakeholders meeting at the Faculty of Medicine, bringing together key figures such as the Dean, Vice Dean, heads of the School of Medicine and the School of PH, and potential lecturers.

The meeting, held in an informal setting, saw productive discussions between Udayana and ANU School of Medicine representatives, namely Professor Christine Phillips AM, Professor Sally Hall Dykgraaf, and Professor Rafat Hussain. The dialogue resulted in an oral agreement for collaborative educational and research initiatives, as well as community services, with further formalization expected through a comprehensive written agreement.

As part of this ambitious effort, the stakeholders explored ways to strengthen ties between the Master Program of PH and primary healthcare networks, which also serve as crucial learning environments for Udayana students. A significant highlight was the visit of ANU representatives to a Community Health Center (CHC) facility in North Denpasar III. The delegation engaged in discussions with the CHC's head and the CHC’s program manager and Udayana University representatives to identify community problems ripe for collaborative learning, research, and community services. The ANU team also observed the health services provided in the CHC to see other potential collaborative works. The observation of health services in the Community Health Center (CHC) facility by the ANU team indicates a comprehensive approach to exploring potential collaborative opportunities. This not only reinforces the commitment to understanding local health practices but also opens up avenues for diverse collaborative initiatives beyond education and research.

Several pressing issues surfaced during the discussions, including vaccination reluctance and mental health concerns, with potential for expansion into broader health-related topics. The Master Program of PH, committed to building, maintaining, and strengthening working networks, sees this initiative as integral to its mission of addressing community problems and ensuring mutual benefits for all stakeholders.

This collaborative effort is part of the larger INSPIRE research, aimed at formalizing extensive international collaboration between Udayana University and ANU. The initiative represents a significant step towards fostering global partnerships in public health, promising lasting benefits for communities and students alike. Stay tuned for more updates as these institutions work hand-in-hand to inspire positive change on a global scale.