DAEJEON, SOUTH KOREA – Daejeon Metropolitan City convened key stakeholders in public health on Monday, April 21st, 2025, for a pivotal roundtable discussion aimed at bolstering the well-being of its citizens. The "2025 Daejeon Metropolitan City Public Health Care Council Roundtable," hosted by the city and orchestrated by the Public Health Care Support Group under the leadership of Director Ahn Soon-ki, brought together approximately 50 frontline professionals from a diverse array of health-focused organizations. The assembly at Daejeon City Hall underscored the municipality's commitment to fostering a proactive and unified approach to public health challenges and the promotion of a healthier urban environment.

The Public Health Care Council, a consortium of 30 entities, serves as a vital platform for inter-agency collaboration. Its membership spans the spectrum of public health infrastructure, encompassing the Daejeon Metropolitan City Public Health Care Support Group itself, the city's five public health centers, seven public medical institutions providing essential care, and eighteen supporting organizations dedicated to various facets of public health. This broad representation ensures a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to addressing the health needs of Daejeon's populace.

The central focus of the roundtable was the articulation of shared objectives and the identification of collaborative initiatives designed to tangibly improve the health outcomes of Daejeon residents. Discussions delved into strategies for preventative care, management of chronic diseases, health education campaigns, and improving access to essential health services for vulnerable populations. The participants engaged in robust dialogue, leveraging their diverse expertise to pinpoint areas where synergistic efforts could yield the most significant impact.

Director Ahn Soon-ki emphasized the significance of the day's proceedings, stating, "This roundtable marks a crucial step in solidifying a cohesive framework for public health collaboration within Daejeon. By bringing together the collective wisdom and experience of our member organizations, we can forge more effective strategies to tackle the unique health challenges facing our communities. The Public Health Care Support Group is steadfast in its commitment to facilitating this cooperation and ensuring that our joint endeavors translate into tangible improvements in the health and quality of life for all Daejeon citizens."

Echoing this sentiment, Jung Tae-young, Director-General of the Sports and Health Bureau of Daejeon City, affirmed the municipality's unwavering support for these collaborative efforts. "The health and well-being of our citizens are paramount," Director-General Jung asserted. "Public health care cooperation is not merely an aspiration but a fundamental necessity in safeguarding the right to health for everyone in Daejeon. The city administration is fully committed to fostering an environment of seamless collaboration among the Public Health Care Council members. We anticipate that this unified approach will generate concrete and impactful results that will be felt directly by our citizens, leading to a healthier and more vibrant Daejeon."

While the specific joint projects discussed were not detailed in the initial report, it is anticipated that they will align with broader public health trends and priorities observed in South Korea. These often include initiatives focused on promoting healthy lifestyles (diet, exercise, and smoking cessation), enhancing mental health services, strengthening infectious disease surveillance and response systems, and addressing health disparities among different socioeconomic groups. Furthermore, given the increasing emphasis on community-based healthcare, it is likely that some projects will focus on empowering local communities to take a more active role in managing their health.

The successful completion of this roundtable signifies a strong commitment from Daejeon City and its public health partners to work collaboratively towards a healthier future for its citizens. The outcomes of these discussions and the subsequent joint projects are expected to play a vital role in shaping the public health landscape of Daejeon in the years to come.