Report
Kyoto University School of Public Health Short Course on December 10, 2021.
National Taiwan University Week

Speakers:
(1) Associate Dean Prof. Chuhsing Kate Hsiao, National Taiwan University
Topic: Introduction to NTU College of Public Health
(2) Prof. Chi-Tai Fang, National Taiwan University
Topic: Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases

Summary of the Short Course:
This online Short Course was held for the second time, continuing from the last year’s event, to provide opportunities for students and faculty members of School of Public Health, Kyoto University to enhance understanding about the activities of College of Public Health, National Taiwan University.
Firstly, there was an introductory lecture by Associate Dean Prof. Chuhsing Kate Hsiao, National Taiwan University, to introduce to us about history, mission, organization, program, course design, department, institutes, course requirements, of College of Public Health, National Taiwan University. It was also explained that NTU College of Public Health obtained accreditation of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in 2017. So far, NTU is the only university outside of US to obtain this accreditation. The activities by NTU students and faculty members to support health system of developing countries are also introduced, for the cases in Malawi and Sao Tome and Principe. There are local community-based projects in Taiwan, such as health screening and elderly care for community residents the cities of Changhua and Matsu.
We also heard experience of the two double-degree students from NTU, who are currently studying online for the KUSPH program. Ms. Lin introduced her experience of preparing for application until the actual learning experience at Japanese university. She also encouraged participating students to apply for the double degree program. Mr. Jeremy also introduced his experience living in the student dormitories in NTU, and what he expects to learn by joining the double degree program.

Next, Prof. Chi-Tai Fang, National Taiwan University gave us a lecture on the topic of Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases. Prof. Fang taught us a history of how the surveillance system was established in Taiwan, which helped Taiwan to build a model for the treatment for HIV infection and AIDS. Prof. Fang also introduced the way of using mathematical modelling of infectious disease. He gave lecture on how to understand to quantify transmissibility, using mathematical modelling. The modelling can be used to model what has happened in the past. Prof. Fang draw an example case of Hepatitis A outbreak in Taiwan from 2015 to 2017. It can also be used to assess the effectiveness of the program, as well as predicting the future to inform public-health policy making. Using the example of COVID-19, Prof. Fang asked the timely question of “Is strict border control, which may impact economy, necessary?”. Highlighting the different scenarios using modelling results, Prof. Fang informed of the importance of border control, in addition to preventive measures such as test-and-isolation, contact tracing, social distancing, and mask wearing. He emphasized the importance of a multi-layer defense strategy, rather than depending on the infallibility of a single measure.

Organized by:
Dr. Ayako Kohno, Program-specific Assistant Professor, Internationalization Promotion Office (IPO), Kyoto University School of Public Health