Island health: Hope and challenges for public health
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2010
Abstract
The Asia-Pacific region is a region of small islands, perhaps 100 000 of them. The health, communication, and development problems of islands present difficult challenges for the delivery of health care. The discussions at the Okinawa Symposium centred on how health can be provided to all in the region, not only those in metropolitan areas, but also the poor in rural areas and those on living on far-flung island archipelagos. It is important to apply principles of ``public health'' and ``primary health care'' so that all island residents may have a reasonable expectation of health care. Schools of public health have a special responsibility to educate those who are responsible for the delivery and management of health care in these remote locations. The development of telehealth systems will be important to support health workers in remote locations and to deliver continuing education programs.
Keywords
Public health, island health, Asia-Pacific region, telehealth systems
Publication Title
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume
22
Issue
1
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Publisher Location
2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 USA