On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) received a collaborative exploratory visit from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes). Taking place in the PA 212 Meeting Room, UI Health Sciences Cluster Building, this event aims to find out more about ECHO and discuss further about potential partnerships.
Present at this meeting was the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc.; Cooperation, Alumni Relations and Venture Manager, Prof. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, S.K.M., M.K.K.K., Ph.D.; FPH UI Education Manager, Dr. Laila Fitria, S.K.M., M.K.M.; Head of the Master of Public Health Science Study Program, Dr. Budi Hartono, S.Si., M.K.M.; as well as FPH UI Lecturer, Popy Yuniar, S.K.M., M.M., Ph.D. Meanwhile, from Project ECHO, the Executive Director of the ECHO Institute, Dr. Sunil Anand; Deputy General Manager – Training and Projects ECHO Institute, Mr. Tarun Kumar; Deputy General Manager – Grants ECHO Institute, Ms Mini Singh; and ECHO Indonesia Project Lead, Nisa Sri Wahyuni.
Project ECHO is a platform to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and dissemination of good practices among various organizations. Utilizing video conferencing, Project ECHO serves as a medium for professionals to exchange insights and enhance their expertise in health, education, and other fields. Supported by more than 400 peer-reviewed research articles, Project ECHO contributes to the reduction of disparities and the formulation of collaborative solutions tailored to local needs.
“It is hoped that FPH UI can become one of the Project ECHO hubs in Indonesia. One of the benefits that will be obtained is that FPH UI can hold classes or collaborations with experts and Spokes in Indonesia as well as with other partners who are also members of Project ECHO. “Project ECHO can also be a forum for FPH UI in community service activities because it connects FPH UI with professionals in various regions/countries,” said Dr. Sunil Anand, Executive Director ECHO Institute.
Responding to this offer, the Dean of FPH UI expressed his interest in making FPH UI one of the Project ECHO hubs in Indonesia. “This offer is very attractive. “FPH UI can use this in community service activities, for example community service in Bogor can be connected with Project ECHO expert partners and village cadres,” said the Dean of FPH UI.
This meeting was the initial meeting to introduce FPH UI to Project ECHO. In the future, it is hoped that further discussions will be held about potential collaborations that can be carried out for the good of both parties. (wrk)