Laos Primary Health Care Team Activities Project

The purpose of this project is to deepen understanding of the challenges in Laos's health care sector, its health care policies, and the lives and culture of its people, and to explore sustainable international aid strategies and effective health care team approaches. From the perspectives of different fields—medical sciences, nursing, and pharmaceutical sciences—the project aims to cultivate the ability to approach matters from an integrated perspective, a skill that is valuable in clinical practice.

In Laos, participants will learn about the practical aspects of comprehensive primary health care support activities by observing the health and medical support activities of organizations such as JICA and the WHO, visiting local medical institutions, and also familiarizing themselves with the work of NGOs in the education and environmental fields. In rural areas, they will conduct fieldwork, spending two days with local residents to reflect on health issues through the lens of their daily lives, customs, and culture. Additionally, they will interact with medical students from institutions like the University of Health Sciences, Laos, to learn about the development of human resources for health. Students from the three medical-related faculties will transcend their academic years and specializations to engage in discussions and address challenges on-site, allowing them to experience firsthand the outcomes of collaborative learning and teamwork. The program cultivates skills that are indispensable in modern medical practice, where the importance of team-based care is widely recognized.

The program is open to all undergraduate students from School of Medicine, first- to third-year undergraduate students from Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, and all undergraduate students from Faculty of Pharmacy. A total of approximately 21 students will be recruited. Participation in all scheduled lectures and the entire training program in Laos is mandatory.

Preparatory activities begin with literature studies, where participants deepen their understanding of Laos by reading required and recommended materials. This is followed by a pre-departure intensive course, "Laos Primary Health Care Activities," at the Shinanomachi Campus. Through discussions and group work, students will learn theories and assessment methods essential for international health activities, as well as the fundamentals of health care in Laos. To prepare for rural fieldwork and clinical training at a provincial hospital, this intensive course also includes practical exercises in field survey methods, vital sign measurement, and nutritional assessment. Additionally, participants will develop health education plans and materials for an elementary school and prepare for discussions with the University of Health Sciences, Laos.

The study tour in Laos will involve a range of activities. Participants will visit the offices of organizations like JICA, the WHO, and UNICEF for lectures; learn about community-participatory health care by accompanying JICA activities; interact with local medical students; conduct a homestay and fieldwork in a rural area; and implement a health education program at an elementary school.

After returning, a results presentation session will be held involving the three faculties. Participants are also expected to submit a training report and present their experiences at open campus events and academic conferences.

The total cost is approximately 270,000 JPY, which covers pre-departure lectures, travel to and from Laos, training, and other miscellaneous expenses. The cost of vaccinations is separate. Participants are required to be vaccinated for three diseases (Hepatitis A, tetanus, and rabies) to prevent tropical infectious diseases before conducting fieldwork and practical training in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Project participants are scheduled to receive a study support grant of 80,000 JPY from the Comprehensive medical sciences Education Incentive Fund.

This is a two-credit elective course offered in the fall semester, titled "Primary Health Care and International Health II (Overseas Training)."

Selection will be conducted by the steering committee based on the submitted application documents.

Application period: Mid- to late May.

Participant presentations in the middle of the period.

A total of approximately five days of preparatory lectures will be held during the period.