Challenges to the Teaching of Public Health Education in Asia

Abstract

The twenty-first century will bring major changes in the Asian health scene. Globalization and communication technology, changing disease epidemiology, increasing population and environmental degradation, and changing demographics, with more urban population and an increase in the number of the elderly are some of the trends which are occurring. Health issues are increasingly dealt with by professionals who have no training in the health field. Public health education must respond to these changing trends by teaching courses such as Health Policy Development and Health Advocacy, as well as incorporating communications and technology skills into the curriculum. Even the methods of teaching should adapt to the new needs of society. When society changes, higher education must respond appropriately in order to continue meeting the need for quality health care.