SUPA71

SUPA71 LAUNCHES “ACAI-IHDILL” PROJECT WITH SUCCESSFUL KICK-OFF MEETING IN THAILAND

On February 28, 2026, SUPA71 successfully organized the kick-off meeting for the project “Improving Health, Digital, and Innovation Literacy Levels among the Older Population in Thailand and Lao PDR (IHDILL)” in Bangkok, Thailand. The project is supported by the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI).

The meeting was led by Dr. Kanokwan Suwannarong, Director of SUPA71 and Principal Investigator (PI) of the IHDILL project, together with the SUPA71 research team and key stakeholders. The session served as an important platform to introduce the project team, align on objectives, and initiate collaborative implementation planning.

During the meeting, the project team presented the overall project background, rationale, and objectives, emphasizing the growing need to enhance health, digital, and innovation literacy among older populations in Thailand and Lao PDR. Detailed discussions were conducted on the research design, methodology, and implementation phases, including baseline assessments, co-creation of health education content, development of a mobile application, and future scale-up activities across the region.
Key sessions also focused on tool development and data collection plans, implementation timelines, roles and responsibilities of project partners, and financial and reporting procedures. In addition, the team highlighted the importance of risk management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks, and expected deliverables to ensure effective project ex*****on.

SUPA71 would like to express sincere appreciation to all partners and stakeholders for their active participation and valuable contributions. We look forward to the successful implementation of the IHDILL project and continued collaboration to strengthen research and innovation capacity for ageing populations in Thailand and Lao PDR.

SUPA71 SUPPORTED AFRIMS FOR TRAINING ON MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES FOR AMR DETECTION IN LAO PDR

From March 23–27, 2026, the SUPA71 Team, represented by Dr. Bouasy Hongvanthong and Mrs. Chanthalone Khamkong, supported the technical experts from the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) Thailand, in delivering a training on phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacteria at the National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE) in Lao PDR.

A total of 11 participants attended the training, including 5 from NCLE, 2 from Setthathirath Hospital, two from 103 Hospital, and two from Institute 108. The program combined classroom-based lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills in molecular techniques. Participants were trained on wastewater sample collection, bacterial culture, DNA extraction, and PCR analysis for AMR detection. A field visit to Setthathirath Hospital was also conducted to provide practical experience in real-world sampling and laboratory workflows.

Throughout the training, participants demonstrated strong engagement and were able to apply both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, culminating in group presentations on laboratory workflows and molecular procedures. The training significantly enhanced participants’ technical capacity and confidence in applying AMR detection techniques in their respective institutions.

SUPA71 would like to express sincere appreciation to AFRIMS, NCLE, and all participating institutions for their collaboration and support. We look forward to continued partnership in strengthening AMR surveillance systems and advancing regional capacity for infectious disease research and response.

SUPA71 STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN, MALAYSIA

On March 11, 2026, representatives from SUPA71, led by Dr. Kanokwan Suwannarong, Director of SUPA71, and Ms. Kannika Thammasutti, Research Manager of SUPA71, met with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sandie Choong Siew Shean, Deputy Dean (Academic) and Associate Professor (Wildlife Medicine), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia, along with UMK’s academic staff.

The meeting served as a platform to strengthen collaboration and exchange knowledge in the fields of veterinary public health, wildlife medicine, and infectious disease research. Jointly, SUPA71 and UMK shared previous and ongoing works related to project research and capacity building for identifying interests and opportunities for future collaboration.
Key discussions focused on potential joint research initiatives, training programs, and academic exchanges. The meeting also emphasized the importance of regional partnerships and a One Health approach in addressing emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

SUPA71 would like to express sincere appreciation to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UMK, for their warm welcome and valuable discussions. We look forward to continued collaboration and future joint initiatives to strengthen research capacity in Southeast Asia (SEA).

SUPA71 CONDUCTED THE MIDTERM EVALUATION OF THE "CINTALAM."

SUPA71 conducted the midterm evaluation of the “Creating an Inclusive and Transformative Youth-Led Climate Action Movement (CINTALAM)” project from February to April 2026. The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by Save the Children (SC) in partnership with the Green South Foundation (GSF), with activities across Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala Provinces.
The objective of this evaluation was to assess the project’s progress in relation to its design, objectives, and expected outcomes, including its contribution to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 4, 5, 7, 12, and 13. The evaluation also examined key cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, youth engagement, human rights, inclusion of people with disabilities, and the visibility of EU support.

This assessment applied a mixed-methods approach, combining desk reviews, quantitative surveys, and qualitative data collection through key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Primary data collection was conducted between February and March 2026, engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including children, youth, community members, civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), local authorities, and project staff.

The evaluation aimed to determine whether the project is effectively reaching its intended target groups, including marginalized populations, and to identify early outcomes and lessons learned to inform improvements during the remaining implementation period.

SUPA71 would like to extend its gratitude to all relevant participants in this evaluation for their willingness to share information that will be beneficial for improving future project implementation and strengthening youth-led climate action initiatives. Furthermore, SUPA71 extends its gratitude to the SC Thailand and GSF teams for their continuous support, collaboration, and guidance throughout the evaluation.

The Role of Digital Health Literacy in Senior Citizens
Written by Bagus Pradana

The world is currently experiencing an unprecedented demographic shift, with the elderly population expected to double by 2050 [1, 2]. It is projected that by 2050, one-fifth (20%) of the world's population will be over 60 years old [3]. Other data indicate that the population aged 65 years and over, which amounted to 9% in 2019, will increase to 16% in 2050 [4]. As many as 80% of the elderly population is expected to live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 2050 [3].

Along with this shift, digital technology has become a fundamental part of providing healthcare services, especially for older adults [1]. However, older adults are often the most digitally marginalized group, because they have very limited exposure to smart devices and less opportunity to receive education about information and communication technology [5]. Mizrahi et al. (2024) also revealed the phenomenon of digital subordination in older adults, that the use of digital technology is generally high in the 55-74 age group but decreases significantly in those over 75 years old [1].

Many older adults have low levels of proficiency in operating devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. This makes it difficult for them to search for health information online compared to younger age groups [5]. Therefore, older adults tend to have lower levels of Digital Health Literacy (DHL) than younger populations [2].

Digital health literacy (DHL) is the ability to obtain, search for, understand, evaluate, and use health information through digital technology to make appropriate health decisions or solve health problems [2, 3, 6]. The DHL concept is an extension of traditional health literacy into the digital environment, which requires individuals to have not only basic reading skills but also technical skills in navigating digital platforms [2, 5]. In today's DLH development, the elderly are the most vulnerable group due to a combination of overlapping physical, cognitive, psychological, and situational barriers.
A. Physical Barriers and Physiological Decline
As they age, older adults experience a decline in bodily functions that directly hinders interaction with digital devices. Vision and hearing problems are sometimes sensory impairments that make it difficult for older adults to read small text or hear voice instructions from applications [6, 7]. Furthermore, conditions such as arthritis and other motor impairments often make precise operation of touchscreen devices very difficult for older adults [7]. And what is most tiring for older adults is the condition where too many technical disruptions make the overall process of learning new technology feel very difficult for them [6].
B. Cognitive Barriers and the Phenomenon of Information Illiteracy
Many older adults report having never heard the term "digital health literacy" or feeling unsure or unable to understand it when asked. This indicates a cognitive barrier where the individual is unaware of the specific skills needed to manage health in the digital age [6]. Older adults who experience blind spots or "information blindness" often have narrow or incorrect perceptions of digital literacy. They may perceive digital literacy as limited to basic skills in using a smartphone, online shopping, or using social media [6]. As a result of these blind spots, older adults tend to overlook core components of digital health literacy. They often find it difficult to distinguish accurate health information from false information (hoaxes) or information written for commercial/advertising purposes. This increases their risk of receiving and implementing inaccurate health advice [5]. This gap is even wider for older adults living in rural areas due to uneven internet infrastructure and limited devices [6].

In addition, seniors often quickly forget complex operating instructions for health applications, especially if the digital health application frequently updates its interface [5]. This makes it difficult for seniors to understand complex medical instructions, test results, or nutritional information presented through the application if the information is not presented in a way that is easy for them to understand [5, 7].

C. Psychological Factors between Anxiety and Resistance
Older adults tend to be more comfortable with traditional methods, such as face-to-face consultations with doctors, because they are perceived as more realistic and reliable and provide a personal connection that telemedicine services lack [4]. Traditional methods provide a sense of reality and personal connection that digital services lack, so they feel more at ease when they can see and interact directly with medical personnel [6].

There's also the fear of making a mistake or damaging the device by pressing the wrong button. Learning new technology is perceived as tiring and often triggers anxiety compared to the old methods they're already familiar with. This context clearly creates reluctance when using smart devices for health [3, 6]. Furthermore, many older adults also refuse to use digital health platforms due to fear of online fraud (scams). They are particularly concerned about their money being stolen through fake websites or their personal data (such as medical records and phone numbers) being leaked [6]. Despite being aware of the risks, many older adults don't know how to protect themselves technically, so they choose to avoid using technology altogether [6].

D. Social and Situational Barriers
The low digital health literacy of this elderly group makes them highly dependent on children or grandchildren to make medical appointments or read lab results, which can reduce their independence in managing their own health [4]. This phenomenon is often referred to as digital reciprocity, where younger generations help older adults navigate complex technology [6]. This dependency creates significant risks for older adults who live alone or are socially isolated. They often face insurmountable access barriers due to a lack of direct technical assistance at home [4, 5]. Therefore, interventions to improve older adults' digital health literacy also need to involve their social support networks to make the learning process more effective and sustainable [6].

The Role of Digital Health Literacy in the Management of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Elderly.

Currently, digital health literacy (DHL) in older adults is crucial, as mastery of DHL is a key determinant of successful self-management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the digital age. Elderly individuals with low DHL tend to have limited internet access, less trust in online health tools, and difficulty interacting with digital platforms, which directly impacts their disease management. They often miss opportunities to benefit from health interventions provided through digital services [3]. Meanwhile, older adults with high DHL are better able to monitor symptoms of chronic diseases, adjust medication dosages, and communicate effectively with healthcare providers through digital platforms [2].

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease account for approximately 74% of global deaths each year, with older adults often facing the most complex comorbidity burden [6]. The burden of NCDs is increasingly severe in low- and middle-income countries, where demographic and epidemiological transitions are occurring more rapidly than health systems are prepared to respond preventively. Residents of the WHO Southeast Asia region have a probability of death from NCDs of 21.62% in the 30-70 year age range. This figure is the second highest in the world after Africa (20.79%) and much higher than Europe (16.32%) or the United States (14.04%) [8].
It is also estimated that by 2050, 80% of the world's elderly population will live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including many countries in Southeast Asia. These regions often have health systems that are limited in resources to address the growing burden of chronic diseases in older adults [8]. This burden is exacerbated for older adults living in rural or remote areas, who face greater difficulties accessing physical healthcare due to the long distance from hospitals [6]. Although digital technologies such as telemedicine can be a solution, older adults in these regions often have lower digital health literacy and limited internet access than those living in urban areas, thus remaining marginalized from modern services [6].

To address the digital divide, various digital health literacy programs have been developed in several countries in Southeast Asia. For example, in Thailand, the DHL program, which utilizes digital tools (YouTube, infographics, Zoom), has been shown to improve health literacy and independent health behaviors in older adults [9]. In Indonesia, the implementation of community services focuses on direct training and the development of supportive physical environments for older adults [7]. However, in Southeast Asia, the adoption of digital technology in healthcare services remains relatively low. While the majority of digital healthcare interventions in Southeast Asia focus on providing information (35.6%) and service availability (34.7%), they are still lacking in aspects of quality (8.9%), accountability (5%), and efficiency (3.9%) [8]. This situation indicates that the main challenge for digital health in Southeast Asia is not merely expanding technology adoption, but rather the quality, governance, and alignment of intervention designs with vulnerable groups, particularly older adults.

Reference
1. Mizrahi, D., et al., Digital health technology use among people aged 55 years and over: Findings from the 45 and up study. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 2025. 200: p. 105911.
2. Hoffman, S., Health literacy and digital health literacy among older adults: public health interventions. 2025, Frontiers Media SA. p. 1764365.
3. Sainimnuan, S., et al., Low Prevalence of Adequate eHealth Literacy and Willingness to Use Telemedicine Among Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Study From a Middle-Income Country. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2025. 27: p. e65380.
4. Shams-Ghahfarokhi, Z., Challenges in health and technological literacy of older adults: a qualitative study in Isfahan. BMC geriatrics, 2025. 25(1): p. 247.
5. Kim, S., et al., Measuring digital health literacy in older adults: Development and validation study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2025. 27: p. e65492.
6. Shao, Y., et al., Determinants of digital health literacy among older adult patients with chronic diseases: a qualitative study. Frontiers in Public Health, 2025. 13: p. 1568043.
7. Sari, A., M. Rosidi, and A. Djollong, Digital Literacy among the Elderly: Literature Review and Implementation in Community Service. J. Community Dedication, 2024. 4: p. 455-465.
8. Singh, V., et al., The potential of digital health interventions to address health system challenges in Southeast Asia: A scoping review. Digital health, 2025. 11: p. 20552076241311062.
9. Intarakamhang, U., et al., Effects of Digital Health Literacy Program on Sufficient Health Behavior Among Thai Working-Age People With Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases. HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice, 2024. 8(2): p. e93-e101.

AFRIMS-AMR DISSEMINATION EVENT IN VIENTIANE, LAO PDR

On 28th January 2026, SUPA71 Co., Ltd. (SUPA71) team, led by Dr. Kanokwan Suwannarong, Director of SUPA71, together with the consultant team, including Dr. Rattanaxay Phetsouvanh, Dr. Bouasy Hongvanthong, and Mrs. Chanthalone Khamkong, provided support to the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) in research dissemination event on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related research at the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE).

There were various participants attending the meeting, including representatives from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research–Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (WRAIR-AFRIMS), the United States Embassy, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Communicable Disease Control (DCDC), Ministry of Health of Lao PDR, the Institute of Hygiene and Public Health Management (IHPM), the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Setthathilath Hospital, 103 Hospital, the Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital–Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, and Fondation Mérieux (FMx) in Lao PDR.

SUPA71 ATTENDANCE IN SINGAPORE CONFERENCE ON AGEING AND HEALTH 2026 BY THE CENTRE FOR AGEING RESEARCH AND EDUCATION OF DUKE-NUS SINGAPORE

Dr. Suwannarong, the director of SUPA71 Co., Ltd (SUPA7), attended the Conference on Ageing and Health 2026 by the Centre for Ageing Research and Education of Duke-NUS Singapore during February 2 – 3, 2026. At this event, she gained a lot of knowledge about ageing and innovation development from various locations, especially from Singapore, Hong Kong, and India.

SUPA71 TEAM ATTENDANCE IN THE PRINCE MAHIDOL AWARD CONFERENCE 2026 (PMAC 2026), FROM JANUARY 26 TO 28, 2026

Dr. Suwannarong, the director of SUPA71 Co., Ltd., extended an invitation by the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) to participate in a significant conference, the Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2026 (PMAC 2026), from January 26 to 28, 2026. She had the opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge from a variety of experts and studies, as well as establish connections with those who specialize in ageing and other fields of study, during this conference. SUPA71 would like to express gratitude to ACAI for this exceptional opportunity.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND CHILDREN: AN INTERGENERATIONAL EQUITY PERSPECTIVE

Climate change is not just a distant environmental concern; it is a present and intensifying determinant of child health, development, and well-being. Although children contribute the least to greenhouse gas emissions, they face a disproportionate burden of climate-related risks. From pregnancy through adolescence, climate change acts as a risk multiplier because it interacts with poverty, inequality, and fragile social systems. Consequently, these combined factors shape long-term health and developmental outcomes [1, 2].

Disproportionate Vulnerability Across the Life Course
Children are more vulnerable to environmental stressors than adults because their bodies and immune systems are still developing. As a result, they are more sensitive to heat, air pollution, and infectious diseases [3]. Moreover, exposure to extreme heat and polluted air during pregnancy and early childhood increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment [4, 5].

In addition, climate change worsens undernutrition through its effects on food systems, water availability, and household livelihoods. For example, droughts, floods, and changing rainfall patterns reduce agricultural productivity. Therefore, the risk of stunting and wasting among young children increases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries [6, 7]. At the same time, the geographic spread of climate-sensitive diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and diarrheal infections, continues to expand. Consequently, children are disproportionately affected because they have higher exposure and lower immunity [5].

Education, Protection, and Psychosocial Impacts
The impacts of climate change on children extend beyond physical health and affect education, protection, and psychosocial wellbeing. Extreme weather events often damage schools and interrupt learning. As a result, many children experience learning losses and higher dropout rates, particularly girls and children with disabilities [8]. In addition, climate-related economic shocks place pressure on households. Consequently, some families rely on negative coping strategies, such as child labor, early marriage, or withdrawing children from school [2].

Psychosocial effects are also an important part of climate risk. Exposure to disasters, displacement, and environmental instability is associated with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress among children and adolescents [9]. Moreover, increasing awareness of climate change has led to “climate anxiety” among many young people, which reflects concerns about environmental damage and uncertainty about the future [10].

Inequality and Intergenerational Justice
Climate impacts on children are unevenly distributed, reflecting and reinforcing existing social inequities [1]. Children living in informal urban settlements, small island developing states, drought-prone rural areas, or conflict-affected settings face compounded vulnerabilities due to limited access to health care, education, and social protection [1]. These patterns raise fundamental concerns of intergenerational justice: current policy choices determine the environmental conditions that today’s children will inherit, despite their limited voice in decision-making processes [11].

From a rights-based perspective, climate change threatens multiple dimensions of children’s rights, including the rights to health, education, development, and protection [2]. International frameworks increasingly recognize the need for child-centered climate policies, emphasizing both protection from harm and participation in climate governance [2].

Toward Child-Centered Climate Action
Addressing climate change through a child-centered lens requires integrating children’s needs and rights into mitigation, adaptation, and development planning. Priority actions include:

Climate-resilient health systems that safeguard maternal, newborn, and child health under extreme weather and disease pressure [5].
Resilient education systems, including safe school infrastructure and disaster preparedness to ensure continuity of learning [8].
Social protection and nutrition programs that buffer climate-related food insecurity and income shocks affecting households with children [7].
Meaningful participation of children and youth in climate decision-making, recognizing them as stakeholders and agents of change rather than passive victims [2].
Evidence suggests that investments in child-focused adaptation and mitigation yield long-term social and economic returns by strengthening human capital and societal resilience [12].
Conclusion
Climate change is fundamentally a child health, child rights, and intergenerational equity issue. Its impacts extend well beyond environmental degradation, shaping physical health, mental wellbeing, education, and social protection across generations. Policies that fail to prioritize children risk entrenching inequality and preventable harm for decades to come. Conversely, child-centered climate action offers a pathway to more equitable, resilient, and sustainable futures, where protecting the environment also means safeguarding the foundations of human development.


References

IPCC. Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. 2022; Available from: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/.
UNICEF, The Climate Crisis is a Child Rights Crisis. 2021.
Sheffield, P.E. and P.J. Landrigan, Global climate change and children’s health: threats and strategies for prevention. Environmental health perspectives, 2010. 119(3): p. 291.
Bekkar, B., et al., Association of air pollution and heat exposure with preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth in the US: a systematic review. JAMA network open, 2020. 3(6): p. e208243-e208243.
WHO, COP24 special report: health and climate change. 2023.
Picetti, R., et al., Effects on child and adolescent health of climate change mitigation policies: A systematic review of modelling studies. Environmental research, 2023. 238: p. 117102.
FAO, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023. 2023.
UNESCO, Education and Climate Change: Learning to Act for People and Planet. 2022.
Clayton, S., et al., Transformation of experience: Toward a new relationship with nature. Conservation letters, 2017. 10(5): p. 645-651.
Hickman, C., et al., Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. The Lancet Planetary Health, 2021. 5(12): p. e863-e873.
OHCHR. Committee on the Rights of the Child. 2023; Available from: https://www.ohchr.org/en/treaty-bodies/crc.
Watts, N., et al., Health and climate change: policy responses to protect public health. The lancet, 2015. 386(10006): p. 1861-1914.

SUPA71 TEAM PARTICIPATES IN SAVE THE CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS IN SUPPORT OF MIDTERM EVALUATION OF THE CINTALAM

The SUPA71 team participated in Save the Children’s workshops as observers in support of the midterm evaluation of the Creating an Inclusive and Transformative Youth-Led Climate Action Movement (CINTALAM) Project. The activities included:

On 26 January 2026, the SUPA71 team observed the Reflection Workshop under the CINTALAM Project at C.S. Pattani Hotel, Pattani Province, Thailand. The workshop aimed to review overall project implementation, reflect on achievements and challenges, and capture lessons learned from different stakeholders. Participants included staff from civil society organizations and financial support to third parties (FSTP) sub-grantees, youth beneficiaries, and CINTALAM project staff. Key sessions focused on reviewing project timelines and activities, discussing successes and challenges in climate change-related work, sharing beneficiary feedback, and conducting group SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to identify good practices and areas for improvement.

From 28–30 January 2026, SUPA71 also observed the Youth Innovation Lab (YIL) Training and Training of Trainers (TOT) at Park in Town Hotel, Pattani Province. This training introduced youth participants to the Youth Innovation Lab and the design thinking process, including problem framing, idea selection, prototyping, testing and refining, and implementation planning. Activities included interactive games, group work, development of problem statements, rapid prototyping, user journey mapping, testing assumptions, and preparation for pitching and marketplace sessions—the training aimed to strengthen youth capacities to design and implement innovative, community-based solutions to local challenges.

https://www.supa71.com/supa71-participated-in-forest-health-future-in-asia-pacific-a-one-health-dialogue/

SUPA71 PARTICIPATED IN FOREST HEALTH FUTURE IN ASIA-PACIFIC: A ONE HEALTH DIALOGUE Dec182025Our Work Dr. Kanokwan (Pook) Suwannarong, Director of SUPA71, participated as a panelist in the regional dialogue “Forest Health Future in Asia-Pacific: A One Health Dialogue,” convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on December 18, 2025. The event ...