Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) are indispensable personnel in driving community-level health initiatives. They play a pivotal role in providing guidance, promoting health, and transferring essential knowledge to the public. Therefore, enhancing the capacity of VHVs to utilize herbal medicines correctly, safely, and based on scientific evidence fundamentally strengthens the grassroots public health system.
Musculoskeletal pain is a prevalent health issue across all demographics, particularly among the elderly and manual labourers. While conventional medicines can effectively alleviate these symptoms, inappropriate or long-term use may lead to adverse side effects or complications. Fortunately, Thailand possesses a rich heritage of herbal wisdom and offers certified herbal medicines recognised for their quality, safety, and efficacy. When paired with proper knowledge and guidance, these natural remedies serve as highly appropriate and sustainable alternatives for primary healthcare.
Project Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wantana Reanmongkol, Pharm.D., Pharmacy Manager of Burapha Pharma Care (BPC)
Objectives:
- To promote comprehensive knowledge and understanding regarding the correct, safe, and rational use of herbs and herbal products for relieving musculoskeletal pain.
- To empower Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) to effectively apply this knowledge in caring for their own health, their families, and their local communities.
- To enhance community health literacy and mitigate the risks associated with the inappropriate use of health products.
- To transfer the academic expertise of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences directly to the community, thereby strengthening the public health network and sustainably improving the public’s quality of life.
Program Activities:
Assoc. Prof. Dr Thanchanok Sirirak, Pharm.D., served as the keynote speaker, delivering insightful lectures on the underlying causes of musculoskeletal pain and providing practical guidelines for the appropriate use of herbal remedies and products. Participants gained valuable knowledge about specific herbs and traditional formulas effective for pain relief, including Jewel Vine (Derris scandens), Turmeric, and Plai (Zingiber cassumunar), as well as various topical herbal applications. The workshop emphasised crucial safety precautions and proper primary healthcare practices. Furthermore, the session fostered an interactive learning environment, allowing participants to actively exchange experiences, ask questions, and clarify their understanding.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
- Empowered VHVs with the enhanced capacity to serve as reliable health educators within their local areas.
- Cultivated a stronger, more resilient network dedicated to proactive and preventive community healthcare.
- Bolstered primary healthcare practices, which will contribute to a long-term reduction in the workload and burden on local medical facilities.
- Forged a sustainable and collaborative partnership between Burapha University, local municipalities, and the VHV network.
- Encouraged the development of self-reliant communities capable of managing their own health by appropriately utilising local resources and traditional wisdom, aligning perfectly with the core principles of sustainable development.
Date of Implementation: June 16, 2026
