Severe flooding and prolonged water stagnation frequently cause widespread hardship and property damage. A common and unavoidable health issue for those wading or standing in water for extended periods is “athlete’s foot” (tinea pedis) or immersion foot conditions, caused by fungal or bacterial infections as well as skin irritation from excessive moisture. This leads to itching, skin inflammation, maceration, and a high risk of severe secondary infections if left untreated.
Recognising these hardships and leveraging the specialised expertise of its personnel and students, the Faculty of Pharmacy at Burapha University has integrated academic knowledge to produce “antifungal and soothing foot creams” for donation and distribution to flood victims. This proactive, targeted intervention helps prevent severe skin complications during crises and highlights the vital role of higher education institutions in corporate social responsibility during emergencies.
Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr Boonyadist Vongsak Associate Dean for Research, Innovations, and Graduate Studies
Objectives:
- Provide Immediate Relief: To produce and distribute protective foot cream to relieve suffering and aid communities affected by floods.
- Apply Academic Expertise: To utilise pharmaceutical knowledge, expertise, and skills to address urgent public health issues in society.
- Foster Civic Engagement: To encourage active participation and collaboration among executives, faculty members, staff, and students in community service.
- Offer Moral Support: To convey care and encouragement to disaster-affected citizens, helping them navigate and overcome difficult times.
Program Activities:
Led by Asst. Prof. Dr Natthinee Theerakulkittipong, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, alongside executives, faculty members, staff, and students, the Faculty produced over 4,000 containers of specialised foot cream throughout October. The team delivered production batches to key partner organisations—such as the Pharmacy Council of Thailand, the Burapha University Pharmacy Association (Chanthaburi Campus), and the Chon Buri Provincial Public Health Office—for efficient distribution to flood victims.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
Immediate Health Relief: Promptly alleviated acute health problems, reducing the incidence of foot infections and skin disorders among flood victims.
Prevention of Complications: Kept minor moisture-related skin issues from escalating into major barriers to daily survival during disaster recovery.
Community Morale Boosting: The delivery of essential supplies reflected profound care from the academic sector, uplifting spirits and reassuring victims that they are not alone.
Promotion of Volunteerism: Cultivated a strong culture of volunteerism within the academic institution, inspiring students and staff to apply their professional knowledge for the public good.
Date of Implementation: October 2–30, 2026
