BANGKOK, THAILAND, March 7, 2025— Recognizing the critical importance of women’s health in driving economic and social development, Organon (Thailand) Company Limited, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand, Kenan Foundation Asia, and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) of Thailand, held a roundtable discussion titled "Innovative Approaches to Women's Health" on March 6, 2025, at the historic Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok.
This event, marking International Women’s Day (IWD), underscored a shared commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3) and Gender Equality (SDG 5), while advancing the APEC Smart Families Policy.
The discussions addressed urgent women’s healthcare needs in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region—including Thailand’s concerning Caesarean section rate (34.8% of all births)[1], Cambodia’s high maternal mortality rate (218 per 100,000 live births)[2], and Lao PDR’s alarming teenage pregnancy rate (82 per 1,000 girls aged 15-19)[3]. [PS1] Recognizing that these public health concerns are intrinsically linked to economic potential, the discussions underscored the significant opportunities that arise from investing in women's health and well-being.
Compelling evidence from the World Economic Forum, the McKinsey Health Institute[4], and the World Bank[5] highlighted the potential to improve global GDP by trillions of dollars annually and increase workforce participation by up to 20% through improved access to quality healthcare for women. A case in point is the Philippines' Insular Life (inLife), which expanded its healthcare benefits to include comprehensive maternity coverage, resulting in a 64% female workforce and reduced turnover rates, demonstrating the tangible economic benefits of investing in women's health.[6]
Koen C. Kruijtbosch, Managing Director of Organon Thailand, opened the discussion by stressing the far-reaching impact of women’s health on national development. He pointed out that Thailand’s pressing healthcare challenges, such as sustained low fertility rates, rising teenage pregnancies, and high caesarean section rates, pose significant implications not only for women’s health but also for the country’s workforce, healthcare system, and long-term development. He further emphasized the importance of investing in innovations to address these challenges to make women feel safe in their family
planning journey. “These challenges go beyond individual health concerns—they affect families, communities, and the nation’s sustainable future. To address them, we must embrace innovation, not just in medical advancements but also in policies, service delivery, and education, ensuring that women and girls have the information and access they need to make well-informed healthcare choices,” he stated.
Dr. Nahathai Thewphaingarm, Vice Minister for the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasized women's health as a catalyst for transformation: “Women’s health must be seen as a driver for transformative societal change, promoting economic resilience, social equity, and shared prosperity. Ensuring access to reproductive healthcare is not just a health issue—it is essential for building stronger communities, fostering a more resilient workforce, and ensuring sustainable economic growth." She also underscored Thailand’s commitment to regional collaboration, particularly through the APEC Smart Families Policy, which provides an innovative approach to addressing demographic challenges while promoting gender equality and family well-being. “By investing in women's health, we are fundamentally investing in the future of our families, communities, and the nation,” Dr. Nahathai noted.
Moderated by Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of Office, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the roundtable focused on actionable solutions and cross-sector collaboration. During the roundtable discussion, Dr. Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, shared that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has extended the operating hours of its Public Health Centers, particularly its Family Planning Clinics, to expand access to reproductive health services in Thailand. On weekdays, the closing time has been extended from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on weekends. This initiative seeks to provide accessible reproductive health services for all age groups, addressing barriers to care. Extending service hours is a vital step in Thailand’s nationwide effort to reduce unplanned pregnancies by improving awareness and access to family planning options.
Building on this discussion, the roundtable identified four key takeaways essential for advancing women’s healthcare in Thailand. First, participants emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to family planning, sexuality education, and sexual and reproductive health services that ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Second, the discussion highlighted the potential of digital solutions—including online platforms, mobile apps, AI, and telemedicine—for reporting, counseling, and expanding access to service provision. Third, advocating for family-friendly workplace policies, including parental leave, carer’s leave, and childcare assistance, was recognized as crucial to addressing Thailand’s demographic challenges. Finally, there was a clear demand and willingness for cross-sector collaboration to reduce fragmentation and drive cohesive, impactful efforts that will strengthen women’s healthcare systems and long-term well-being.
Khunying Kasama Varavarn Na Ayudhaya, Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, Kenan Foundation Asia, concluded the event with a call for continued collaboration. “Today, we discovered many solutions to the challenges, new things, and new friends. There is still room for more conversation and exchange. This is not an end but the beginning of further collaboration among all participants here.”
The outcomes of this roundtable will form the basis of a comprehensive policy white paper, part of the “Her Promise Grant” funded by Organon and implemented by Kenan Foundation Asia. This paper will serve as a roadmap for future collaborative efforts and investments in sustainable healthcare solutions across Southeast Asia.
See more photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/163956826@N06/albums/72177720324323466
---------
About Organon
Organon is a global healthcare company formed to focus on improving the health of women throughout their lives. Organon has a portfolio of more than 60 medicines and products across a range of therapeutic areas. Led by the women’s health portfolio coupled with an expanding biosimilars business and stable franchise of established medicines. In addition, Organon is pursuing opportunities to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators looking to commercialize their products by leveraging its scale and presence in fast-growing international markets.
Organon has a global footprint with significant scale and geographic reach, world-class commercial capabilities, and approximately 9,300 employees with headquarters located in Jersey City, New Jersey.
For more information, visit http://www.organon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Kenan Foundation Asia
The Kenan Foundation Asia is a non-profit organization committed to equipping people with the knowledge, technology, and skills needed for a sustainable future. Over the past 29 years, we have collaborated continuously with all sectors, including government, private, education, and civil society, to transform education, drive economic growth, and build opportunities for all.
For more information, please visit: https://www.kenan-asia.org/th/
[4] https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-a-1-trillion-dollar-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies#/
[PS1]The PR agency recommends adding info and stats relating to other ASEAN countries to add relevancy for the regional media coverage.
