Development of Health Promotion Program through IUHPE: Possibilities of Collaboration in East Asia

Abstract

This paper considers the possibilities of health promotion from the following perspectives; (1) IUHPE, (2) socio-cultural similarities, (3) action research, and (4) learning from our past. 1. The IUHPE values decentralized activities through regions, and countries such as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China belong to NPWP region. Since IUHPE World Conference was held in Japan in 1995, Japan used to occupy more than 60% of NPWP membership. After 2001, membership is increasing rapidly in Chinese speaking sub-region. The transnational collaboration is still in its beginning phase. 2. Confucianism is one of key points. Confucian tradition should not be seen only as obstacles but as advantages to seek a form of health promotion more acceptable in East Asia. 3. Within the new public health framework, people are expected to create and live their health. However, especially in Japan, the tendency of ‘lacking of face-to-face explicit interactions’ is still common at health-promotion settings as well as academic settings. Therefore, the author tried participatory approaches such as asking WIFY(interactive questions designed for subjects to review their daily life and environment) and as introducing round table interactions. So far, majority of participants welcome new trials. 4.The following social phenomena are comparatively discussed after Japanese invasion and occupation of Korea ended in 1945; ▪ status of oriental medicine, ▪ separation of dispensary services, and ▪ health promotion specialist as a national license. In contrast to Japanese’ tendency of maintaining the status quo and postponing of substantial social change, trend toward rapid and dynamic social changes are more commonly observed in Korea. Although all of above possibilities are still in their beginning stages, they are going to offer interesting directions waiting for further challenges and accompanying researches.