Recent studies have highlighted the pervasive presence of microplastics in various food items, raising significant concerns regarding human health and environmental safety. Among the foods identified with the highest levels of microplastics are seafood, honey, beer, and certain fruits and vegetables. The contamination of these food items is primarily attributed to environmental pollution and the…
All posts in Public Health
Social Determinant of Health
The historical evolution of social determinants of health (SDOH) has significantly influenced the field of preventive medicine. SDOH encompass the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age, and they are increasingly recognized as critical factors that shape health outcomes and health disparities across populations (Gard et al., 2020). The World Health…
MSM is Rising and Islam is the Solution
Introduction The HIV epidemic continues to evolve globally, with men who have sex with men (MSM) emerging as a key population in the transmission of HIV. According to UNAIDS, MSM accounted for 44% of new HIV infections globally in 2023, making this group a significant driver of the epidemic. In the Asia-Pacific region, MSM represented…
The Triple Burden of Disease in Malaysia
Malaysia faces a significant public health challenge known as the triple burden of disease, encompassing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases, and the health implications of an ageing population. These interconnected challenges are further compounded by environmental and planetary health issues, requiring a comprehensive and integrated approach. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers,…
The Silent Toll of Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped global health systems, revealing vulnerabilities in healthcare and public health infrastructure. While official COVID-19 death counts capture the immediate impact, excess mortality estimates uncover the pandemic’s broader effects, including indirect deaths caused by disrupted healthcare services and societal changes. This study examines global and regional excess mortality data and…
Rising Medical Costs and the Need for Sustainable Solutions
The escalating cost of healthcare in Malaysia has become a pressing concern. With private hospitals increasing charges and insurance premiums rising in tandem, many Malaysians find themselves priced out of private care. This growing financial burden is forcing more people to turn to public hospitals, placing unprecedented pressure on a system already operating at capacity.…
The Alignment of Malaysia’s Health White Paper with the WHO Pathogen Prioritisation Framework for Infectious Disease Preparedness
Abstract Amid rising global threats from infectious diseases, Malaysia’s Health White Paper (MHW) outlines a national strategy for health security and preparedness, aligning with the WHO’s pathogen prioritisation framework for epidemic and pandemic response. This paper examines the MHW’s focus on pathogen family-based research, surveillance, and international collaboration and assesses its alignment with the WHO’s…