BANGKOK – Academics from Khon Kaen University played a central role in a panel discussion aimed at raising public awareness to combat liver fluke disease and bile duct cancer, a significant public health issue in Thailand. The seminar took place on August 16, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center as part of the MHESI Fair 2025: SCI POWER FOR FUTURE THAILAND.

The event was organized by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) in collaboration with the Cholangiocarcinoma Research and Innovation Knowledge Center. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of the NRCT, presided over the opening ceremony, highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach to public health challenges.

The panel brought together experts to discuss a multi-pronged strategy for disease prevention. Prof. Dr. Thidarut Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University, spoke on the critical topic of safe food consumption to avoid liver fluke infection.

Other key topics included a national strategic plan to eliminate liver flukes and deaths from bile duct cancer, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Watcharin Loilom, Acting Director of the university’s Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute. The discussion also covered strategies for large-scale public awareness campaigns, proactive communication, environmental sanitation systems, and the integration of a prevention curriculum for children and youth in the education system.

The initiative aims to integrate research, innovation, and health communication, fostering collaboration between government, academic, and public health sectors. This comprehensive effort aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education) through youth education, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by emphasizing multi-sectoral cooperation to build a healthier society.