The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (President Il-Soo Ha, hereinafter referred to as KOFIH) held its 19th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, August 13, at the Lee Jong-wook Hall on its 7th floor of the Health and Welfare Administration Town in Junggok-dong, Seoul.

Approximately 90 people attended the ceremony, including the 4th President, Rep. Ihn Yohan of the People Power Party, Choi Jun-ho, Director General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, former and current executives and employees of KOFIH and its overseas offices, and representatives from partner organizations. They reflected on KOFIH's achievements over the past 19 years and shared its vision and direction for the future.

In his commemorative speech, President Il-Soo Ha said, “Over the past 19 years, KOFIH's journey to improve the global health environment has been a series of challenges and innovations,” emphasizing the need for change through rational HR management, organizational culture innovation, project strategy and evaluation, improvement of the feedback system, qualitative strengthening of overseas offices, and expansion of domestic and international networks. He also stated, “We promise to reward employees who have contributed to change and innovation.”

Rep. In-Yohan, who previously served as the KOFIH President, also attended the event and recalled his experiences collaborating with KOFIH on healthcare initiatives in North Korea. He identified three key elements necessary for international development cooperation: ASK (attitude, skill, and knowledge). He emphasized that “it is essential to provide assistance that respects the dignity of others and to possess sufficient expertise,” urging all employees to become small “Lee Jong-wooks.”

Director General Choi Jun-ho of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Health and Welfare also attended the event and delivered a congratulatory speech. He said, “KOFIH has not only protected the health of our citizens, but has also been dedicated to strengthening the healthcare capabilities of countries around the world. Dr LEE Jong-wook Fellowship Program has become a model for the international community, and KOFIH's role will become even more important in the changing healthcare environment.” He also added, “The Ministry of Health and Welfare will serve as a steadfast partner to ensure that KOFIH continues to grow as a leading institution in the field of global health.”  

At the event, awards were also presented to individuals who have contributed to the development of KOFIH and global health cooperation.

▲ Minister of Health and Welfare Commendation (5 recipients): Kim Tae-hyun (Professor, Yonsei University), Lee Ok-cheol (Professor, Chung-Ang University), Yang Hee-man (Director General, Korea Foundation for International Healthcare), Hong Mi-ra (Manager, Korea Foundation for International Healthcare), Kang Dong-hyung (Deputy Manager, Korea Foundation for International Healthcare)

▲ President of KOFIH Commendation (15 recipients): Kim On-yu (Director, the National Rehabilitation Center), Yoon Moon-soo (Professor, Yonsei University), Jeong Hyun-woo (Professor, Eulji University), Park Rita Isekovna (Vice President, Uzbekistan Korean Cultural Association), Kwak Hye-min (Deputy Country Representative, KOFIH Ethiopia Office), Kim Yu-kyung (Deputy Manager, Office of Planning and Coordination, KOFIH), Nam Jae-young (Assistant Manager, Migrant and Humanitarian Support Team, KOFIH), Park Dong-hee (Deputy Country Representative, KOFIH Lao PDR Office), Seo Gyeong-bae (Country Representative, KOFIH Tanzania Office), Yoo Yoon-hee (Deputy Country Representative, KOFIH Vietnam Office), Lee Seul-ah (Deputy Manager, Human Resources Team, KOFIH), Lee Yoon-jung (Assistant Manager, Asia Team, KOFIH), Ha Myeong-ju (Assistant Manager, Africa and Latin America Team, KOFIH), Heo Un-jung (Assistant Manager, Operational Support Team, KOFIH), Tigist Mulugeta Kebede (Program Officer, KOFIH Ethiopia Branch Office)

▲ Long-term Service Commendation (5 recipients): Kim Yu-kyung (Deputy Manager, Office of Planning and Coordination, KOFIH), Kim Hee-eun (Manager, Asia Team, KOFIH), Na Woo-ri (Manager, Africa and Latin America Team, KOFIH), Lee Yoon-jung (Assistant Manager, Asia Team, KOFIH), Han Dasri (Chairperson, Labor Union, KOFIH)

Since its establishment in 2007, KOFIH has been working to promote global health equity in various fields, including building healthcare infrastructure in developing countries, strengthening human resources, advising on health policies, and improving patient safety. 

Going forward, the Korea Foundation International Healthcare will continue to faithfully fulfill its role as a healthcare cooperation platform connecting people and countries, and contribute to resolving healthcare inequalities faced by the international community.