The International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH) Scientific Committee on Cardiology in Occupational Health (ICOH-CVD) serves a professional network of researchers, occupational health physicians and nurses, public health workers throughout the world concerned about the impact of work and work-related factors on cardiovascular health, ranging from hypertension, metabolic syndrome, to ischemic heart disease and stroke. Linking economic globalization to the changing nature of work and its impact on the risk of CVD, and focusing on research, worksite interventions, and public health, we are organized as an official committee of the ICOH. Our work focuses on identifying work-related physical, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial risk factors for CVD, the interplay of social disparities, work and health, interventions to reduce the burden of an unhealthy work environment, and public policy concerns to foster change in working conditions.
The 1st International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) Conference on Work Environment and Cardiovascular Diseases was held in 1994 in Copenhagen (Denmark), followed by the consequent conferences in 1999 (Tel Aviv, Israel), 2002 (Dusseldorf, Germany), 2005 (Newport Beach, USA), 2009 (Cracow, Poland), 2013 (Tokyo, Japan), and 2017 (Varese, Italy). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this conference was paused for a couple of years. Now, its 8th event comes back in 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
During the past three decades, the nature of work and employment has been dramatically changed, while cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the biggest cause of death in many Western countries, and such trends have also been observed in Eastern world and low-/middle-income countries. In the 2021 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) / International Labour Organization (ILO) on “Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury”, the major risk factors at work which cause the most deaths per year are long working hours (to 750,000 deaths of CVD), followed by air pollution, gases and fumes (to 450,000 death of pulmonary disease), and injuries (to 360,000 deaths), indicating the crucial contribution of psychosocial work characteristics, as well as worksite physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards, to the CVD burden among working populations. Notably, workers living in the South-East Asia and Western Pacific Region are disproportionately more affected.
The ICOH Scientific Committee on Cardiology in Occupational Health (ICOH-CVD) are happy that our International Conference on Work Environment and Cardiovascular Diseases, for the first time, will be held in a middle-income country in South-East Asia, with the theme of “Reconnecting East and West”. We do hope to provide a platform for scientists, occupational health physicians and nurses, cardiologists, rehabilitation and public health professionals to exchange ideas and promote collaborations. Remember, work is an important social determinant of cardiovascular health, and CVD is preventable at different stages and levels through our efforts in the workplace.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the ICOH-CVD International Conference in 2025 in Bangkok!
The Faculty of Public Health at Mahidol University, established in 1948, is Thailand's premier public health institution. It annually graduates approximately 1,400 students across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The Faculty's curriculum aligns with international standards, and it has partnered with organizations like SEAMEO-Trop-Med, WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank to offer international master's programs since 1976.
Beyond education, the Faculty plays a leading role in academic development and public health planning. It provides short training programs, academic services, and research support to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the Faculty operates the Center for Health and Public Health & Environmental Services, offering general health promotion and environmental health services, including industrial hygiene and safety. It also houses a health promotion center, a student health promotion center, and a rural health research and training center.
Currently, the Faculty consists of 13 departments, including Public Health Nursing, Microbiology, Biostatistics, Public Health Administration, Parasitology and Entomology, Nutrition, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Sanitary Engineering, Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Community Health, Family Health, and Occupational Health and Safety.
Dear colleagues and friends,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 8th International Conference on Occupational Health and Cardiovascular Diseases (ICOH-CVD), hosted in Bangkok, Thailand. This three-day event serves as a vital platform to unite experts, researchers, and practitioners from diverse fields to converge, share empirical data, exchange knowledge, and foster innovations related to the impact of work and work-related factors on cardiovascular health.
Our workplaces are dynamic ecosystems where health and productivity intersect. From ergonomic design to mental well-being, occupational health profoundly impacts individuals and organizations alike. Furthermore, the scourge of cardiovascular diseases reverberates globally. Heart attacks, strokes, and related conditions affect millions, transcending borders and demographics.
As we navigate the challenges of modern work, addressing these concerns becomes paramount. Through rigorous scientific sessions, workshops, and dialogues, we aim to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. Let ideas flow freely, igniting innovative approaches to tackle occupational health and cardiovascular challenges.
By advancing occupational health and cardiovascular research, we contribute to a healthier, more resilient global workforce. Together, we can amplify our impact and drive change. I look forward to welcoming you all to Bangkok and the vibrant academic community of Mahidol University.
