Khon Kaen University, through its Office of Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, is spearheading efforts to promote liver fluke-free food, aiming to enhance public health and quality of life. On September 15, 2068, Professor Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, participated in an academic conference titled “Promoting Liver Fluke-Free Food.”

The event, held at the OTOP Center meeting room in Ubolratana Subdistrict Municipality, Khon Kaen Province, was officially opened by Mr. Krung Namsongsa, Ubolratana District Chief. Dr. Nattaphon Ekobol, Head of the Liver Fluke-Free Food Production Promotion Project, delivered the opening report.

Organized in collaboration with the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute (CARI), the Department of Parasitology at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine, and various network partners, the conference aimed to disseminate knowledge on preventing and controlling liver fluke disease and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). A key focus was also on developing processes for local food products, such as fermented fish (Pla Ra) and sour fish (Pla Som), to ensure they are free from liver flukes and to elevate production standards to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) levels.

The conference featured a variety of activities, including an exhibition on “Liver Fluke-Free Fish,” live demonstrations of microscopic examination for liver flukes in fish, and urine screening for liver fluke infection among participants. Over 120 individuals attended, including Pla Ra and Pla Som entrepreneurs, producer families, and Village Health Volunteers (VHVs).

This initiative represents a collaborative effort between Khon Kaen University and its partners to drive public health work. It seeks to raise awareness and improve food safety standards, ultimately contributing to disease prevention and a sustainable improvement in the quality of life for the community.