Mahidol Nursing Faculty Joins Global Partners to Tackle Global Health Crisis on Triple Burden of Diseases.

While advancements in medical technology have extended human life expectancy, they have also brought about a complex health challenge known as the "Triple Burden of Diseases." This global health crisis is characterized by individuals simultaneously grappling with multiple chronic conditions, infectious diseases, and injuries. Factors such as societal changes, economic pressures, and evolving lifestyles have contributed to this growing problem, significantly impacting quality of life and straining healthcare systems worldwide.

To address this pressing global health challenge, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, in collaboration with the Siriraj Nursing Alumni Association under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Nursing Department of Siriraj Hospital, and 26 co-host institutions, organized the international conference titled “Triple Burdens of Diseases: Nurse-Led Game Changer to Optimize the Outcomes of Care,” or TBD 2025, held from January 7-9, 2025, at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok. The conference aimed to exchange knowledge and strategies for managing the increasing global burden of multiple diseases. Distinguished Clinical Prof. Emeritus Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, Chairman of University Council, Mahidol University, presided over the opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of addressing the triple burden of diseases. He highlighted the crucial role of nurses in leading change and improving overall healthcare, which requires compassion, leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ameporn Ratinthorn, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, explained that the conference aims to share knowledge and best practices for addressing the triple burden of diseases. With a focus on patient-centered care, empowering nurses to apply their knowledge gained from research and service learning to develop innovative and best practices in patient care. Additionally, the conference aims to foster a global network of nursing experts to collaboratively enhance healthcare delivery and effectively manage the triple burden of diseases.

Triple Burden of Diseases refers to a complex health situation where individuals face multiple health challenges at the same time. This can include a combination of chronic diseases (such as diabetes or hypertension), infectious diseases, and injuries. For example, an elderly person might have both diabetes and heart disease, while also recovering from a hip fracture due to a fall. These multiple health issues can make treatment more complicated and costly.

• Disease complexity: Patients often have multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. They may also acquire infectious diseases like influenza or COVID-19, or experience accidents or injuries, all within the same timeframe.
• Personalized care: Each individual has unique health needs, requiring a tailored and integrated approach to care.
• Value-based care: Providing individualized care demands greater resource allocation. Therefore, it's essential to optimize the utilization of limited resources to maximize benefits.

Prof. Dr. Patricia Davidson, Vice chancellor fellow University of New South Wales, Australia, emphasized that the triple burden of diseases has underscored the need for robust healthcare systems and interagency collaboration. She pointed out that universal healthcare systems like those in Australia and Thailand provide a strong foundation for addressing health challenges. However, we must consider the broader social and economic impacts, along with the ongoing climate crisis. These factors pose significant challenges to public health systems, particularly in regions like Australia that experience extreme heatwaves, reaching temperatures of 45-50 degrees Celsius in some areas.

The international conference attracted over 450 participants from around the world, including faculty, nurses, and nursing students from various institutions. Distinguished speakers with expertise in medical and nursing fields from many countries graced the event, such as Dr. Leslie D. Mancuso, President & CEO of Jhpiego, Prof. Dr. Supakit Pannarunothai, President of the Centre for Health Equity Monitoring Foundation, Naresuan University, Prof. Dr. Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, Chairman of University Council, Thaksin University, Prof. Dr. Patricia Davidson, Vice chancellor fellow University of New South Wales, Australia, and Prof. Dr.Siriorn Sindhu, President of the Nurses' Association of Thailand, as well as many other distinguished experts in nursing.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ameporn Ratinthorn further emphasized that nurses play a crucial role in caring for patients with multiple morbidities. They are key in solving these complex issues by assessing patients' conditions, developing appropriate care plans, educating patients and their families on self-care, and coordinating with medical teams and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

This conference marks a significant step forward in advancing healthcare in Thailand and globally, underscoring the pivotal role of nurses in leading healthcare for the public, especially in addressing the increasingly complex challenges of multiple morbidities. It will serve as a catalyst for developing innovative and sustainable healthcare approaches in the future.

For more information, please visit https://ns.mahidol.ac.th/TBD2025/ or call +66 2 441 5333 ext. 2460, 2465, or +66 81 804 3957