Statement by the Delegation of Thailand

Panel discussion on realizing the right to health by

enhancing capacity-building in public health

at the 35^th session of the Human Rights Council

on 8 June 2017, 09.00-12.00, at Room XX, Palais des Nations

Mr. President,

Thailand welcomes the organization of this important panel discussion and appreciates the valuable inputs shared by the panellists.

The right to health is universal. It requires health care facilities, goods and services be accessible to all sections of the population, including the most vulnerable, without discrimination.

The right to health and SDGs target 3.8 aim to achieve Universal Health Coverage that is truly ‘universal’ and inclusive. Every country, developed or developing, can achieve UHC.  As the Thai Minister of Public Health put it, “Because we are poor, we cannot afford not to have Universal Health Coverage.”

Thailand’s experience suggests that strengthening States’ institutional capacity and health workforce community is important to the realization of the right to health and the UHC.

A case in point is Thailand’s successful Village Health Volunteers program, which started over forty years ago. These volunteers are community members who work exclusively in their localities that traditionally lacked access to adequate healthcare. They work alongside public health officials in health prevention and promotion activities, such as immunization, anti-smoking and preventing the spread of avian influenza. These volunteers serve as the bridge between the formal health system and the local community.

This kind of programme, which promotes the capacities and active involvement of the local community, is important to the realization of inclusive health policies and the right to health.

As we seek to promote the right to health, Thailand stands ready to share with the international community, our experiences, including lessons learned and challenges.   

Thank you.