Research Collaboration in Social and Cultural Aspects of Public Health

Abstract
Research collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine, ‘Sam Ratulangi’-University, Manado, North Sulawesi (Indonesia), the Institute of Social Anthropology, University of Basel, and the Swiss Tropical Institute (STI), Basel, has already a long tradition (since 1990). Based on a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ the three bodies have agreed to intensify joint research projects, exchange of academic staff and training/course participation. The specific partners of scientific collaboration in Manado (Indonesia) are the Department of Public Health and the Public Health Study Program with which several joint research projects were already carried out (e.g. health-seeking behaviour in rural areas and urban health and elderly persons).

The following staff exchange includes Dr. Billy J. Kepel who is one of the leading Public Health specialists at ‘Sam Ratulangi’-University in North Sulawesi (Indonesia). He has gained extensive expertise in widespread peptic ulcer disease, in lung tuberculosis and in health-related poverty alleviation policy. Moreover, he has developed a good understanding in Cultural Epidemiology and social aspects of Public Health which makes him an excellent collaborator in interdisciplinary research studies.

During one month (July 1-31, 2005) in Basel, Dr. Billy J. Kepel will perform the following activities: (1) Literature study and library research on selected topics in Public Health and Cultural Epidemiology that are essential for planned scientific cooperation; one of these important topics will be the broad field of lung tuberculosis where up to now library and literature access in Eastern Indonesia is too limited for reliable study preparations; (2) finalising a comprehensive research proposal on cultural epidemiology factors of lung tuberculosis in different urban areas in Province North Sulawesi, Indonesia; first steps in the development of a joint study project were initiated in Indonesia but it can be finalized only after he has met the different specialists in the field in Basel; (3) preparation of a research study that concerns a three-year research project on old-age vulnerability (i.e. chronically ill elderly people and long-term care) in Indonesia and Tanzania where he will act as country coordinator for Indonesia; research teams from Switzerland and Tanzania will carry out first meetings with him in order to start preliminary coordination and planning of this study; (4) attending informal meetings and talks with STI staff particularly of Public Health and Epidemiology Department as well as formal workshops, presentations and lectures at STI and the Institute of Social Anthropology in Basel.

This staff exchange activity strengthens scientific research collaboration between North-South partners as well as the capacities in joint interdisciplinary project planning and coordination of current Public Health concerns.

Contacts:

Dr. Peter van Eeuwijk
Institute of Social Anthropology
University of Basel
Münsterplatz 19
CH-4051 Basel
Switzerland
Tel: 061 267 27 45; Fax: 061 267 27 47
E-mail: peter.vaneeuwijk@unibas.ch

Dr. Billy J. Kepel
Public Health Study Program
Faculty of Medicine
‘Sam Ratulangi’-University (UNSRAT)
Jln. Kampus UNSRAT
95115 Bahu-Manado
Kota Manado
Prop. Sulawesi Utara
Indonesia
Tel: +62 431 827129; Fax: +62 431 841337
E-mail: bjkepel@telkom.net