The 45th Asian Medical Students’ Conference (AMSC2024) brought together approximately 400 medical students from across Asia. Held in Japan for the first time in 16 years, this conference offered a unique platform for young medical professionals to engage in discussions, share ideas, and build networks. Dr. Ryoma Kayano, Technical Officer at the WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre), delivered a keynote lecture on disaster medicine, emphasizing the critical importance of health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM).
Initiated in Bangkok in 1980, AMSC has become the largest conference of medical students in Asia. This year's focus on "Disaster Medicine" was timely, given the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters worldwide and their profound impact on public health. Japan, with its advanced disaster preparedness and response systems, provided an ideal setting for AMSC2024, highlighting experiences such as the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.
Dr. Kayano shared his expertise in Health EDRM and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) at the conference. His lecture, "Health EDRM & MHPSS - Emerging health needs for disaster survivors," covered various aspects of disaster medicine, from immediate response to long-term recovery. He emphasized the importance of pre-emptive risk management and the role of research in informing evidence-based practices. Dr. Kayano also discussed the establishment of the WHO Health EDRM Research Network, which enhances the capacity of health systems to manage disaster risks.
During his lecture, Dr. Kayano highlighted key findings from the Great East Japan Earthquake, such as the health consequences of evacuation and the long-term psychological effects on survivors. The session included a lively Q&A segment and a discussion on specific case studies of past natural disasters in Japan, providing practical insights into disaster scenarios.
AMSC2024 not only offered a platform for medical students to learn about disaster medicine but also emphasized the value of diversity and international collaboration. The hybrid format enabled broader participation, fostering a rich exchange of perspectives and ideas, and contributing to a robust international network of future healthcare leaders. The success of AMSC2024 highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and response and reinforced the commitment of young medical professionals to address global health challenges collaboratively.
The WHO Kobe Centre conducts research and promotes its uptake to ensure that more people will be better protected from the health impact of emergencies and disasters.