As part of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative’s (DNDi) 20th Anniversary celebration, marking two decades of the not-for-profit organization advocating for neglected populations and developing lifesaving, affordable treatments, we hosted a series of ‘Women in Science Networking’ events held in Malaysia (April 2023) and Thailand (August 2023). These events united women leaders and experts, sparking discussions on the unique challenges faced by women in science, notably the lack of women mentors.
The success of these events fuels our excitement for the grand sequel: DNDi 20th Anniversary in SEA – Forum on Gender, Health, and Science R&D to be held in February 2024 at National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia (Physical) and Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand (Virtual) (Hybrid format). This time, we aim to push boundaries, exploring gender inclusivity in gender, health, and science R&D fields. We are very proud to be co-hosting this event with one of DNDi’s founding partners since 2003, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia. Alongside this forum, we are also celebrating DNDi’s 20th anniversary and partnership with Malaysia. This forum aims to shape and foster community development, in hopes of creating a more gender-inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for future leaders.
Programme
Opening
9:00 – 9:25 MYT
Speakers:
- Kaori Nakatani, Japan Director, DNDi
Session 1: Exploring gender-specific health challenges on diseases
9:25 – 10:50 MYT
Chairperson: Annette Sohn, Director, TREAT Asia (Therapeutics Research, Education, and AIDS Training in Asia) & Vice President, amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research), Thailand
Speakers:
- Neelika Malavige, Head of Dengue Global Programme and Scientific Affairs, DNDi
- Nittaya Phanuphak, Executive Director, Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), Thailand
- Nurul Izzah Anwar, Co-Chair of Secretariat – Advisory Committee to the Finance Minister, Malaysia
Session 2: Gender-inclusive health care
11:00 – 12:30 MYT
Chairperson: Tanya Wansom, Director of Research and Advocacy, Dreamlopments, Thailand
Speakers:
- Yupadee Sirisinsuk, Deputy Secretary-General, National Health Security Office (NHSO), Thailand
- Rena Janamnuaysook, Program Manager (Implementation Science), Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), Thailand
- Anjanna Kukreja, Infectious Diseases (ID) Consultant, University of Malaya, Malaysia
Session 3: Clinical trial and gender – Closing the gender gap in clinical trials
13:30 – 15:00 MYT
Chairperson: Sheamini Sivasampu, Director, Institute for Clinical Research (ICR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia
Speakers:
- Hadiza Galadanci, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
- Tee Khim Boon, Senior Principal Assistant Director, National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Malaysia
- Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit, Founding Director & Consultant, Siriraj Institute of Clinical Research (SICRES), Thailand
Special address
15:10-15:15 MYT
Speaker:
- Nor Fariza Ngah, Deputy Director-General of Health (Research & Technical Support), Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia & Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Member, DNDi
Session 4: Plenary session: Women in science and their contributions
15:15 – 16:45 MYT
Chairperson: Nopraenue S. Dhirathiti, Vice President for International Relations and Corporate Communications, Mahidol University, Thailand
Speakers:
- Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President & Pro Vice-Chancellor, Monash University, Malaysia
- Krisana Kraisintu, Pharmaceutical Chemist, Thailand
- Walasinee Sakcamduang, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Thailand
Closing
16:45 – 17:00 MYT
Speakers:
- Walasinee Sakcamduang, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Thailand
- Kavita Singh, South Asia Director, DNDi
