The HEALTH | May-June. 2025

This ambitious initiative was inaugurated by Ministry of Health ' s( MoH) Deputy Director-General of Health( Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari, Deputy Director-General of Health( Public Health), which underscored the urgency of collective action against this pressing public health issue.

Dengue fever remains a serious public health concern in Malaysia, with the MoH reporting 122,323 cases and 117 deaths in 2024, indicating a slight decrease in cases but a worrying increase in mortality.

The case-fatality rate has risen, bringing to light the pressing need for enhanced prevention strategies.

DPAM Chairman Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail noted:“ Every death from dengue is a preventable tragedy. With collective effort, we can achieve zero preventable dengue deaths.”

The ENDD campaign introduces four vital actions that every Malaysian can take to combat dengue:

• Destroy mosquito breeding grounds

• Prevent mosquito bites

• Get vaccinated

• Seek early treatment when experiencing symptoms ENDD Campaign Chairman Dr

OVER 1.5 billion women around the globe face health issues, yet many continue to accept their suffering as a normal part of life, unaware of its profound effects on their daily existence.

Heavy menstrual bleeding( HMB) is a medical condition that disrupts the lives of 1 in 3 women of reproductive age, with this figure rising to 1 in 2 during menopause.

A recent study highlighted the substantial impact of HMB on women’ s quality of life:

• 83 per cent reported that HMB interferes with daily activities.

• Over 82 per cent indicated it affects their relationships with partners.

• 80 per cent noted a significant decline in productivity at work.

Despite its prevalence, nearly 59 per cent of women affected still believe HMB is merely a normal

DENGUE DEFENSE: From left: ENDD Co-Chairman Dr Selva Kumar Sivapunniam, DPAM & Immunise4Life Chairman Prof Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail, MoH Deputy Director-General of Health( Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari, and ENDD Chairman Dr Koh Kar Chai.

HEALTH DIALOGUE: From left: Prof Dr Mohamad Nasir, Xinthia Chua and Dr Premitha during the panel discussion on‘ Let’ s Talk Heavy: What Your Period is Trying to Tell You’.

Koh Kar Chai, highlighted the importance of individual responsibility in this collective fight.“ These steps can truly save lives. While the government strengthens policies and vector control efforts, the community must act at ground level.”

The MoH has employed various strategies over the years to tackle dengue, including the iDengue Portal, which offers daily updates on cases and mosquito control efforts. Innovative approaches, such as releasing Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes, have shown promise in significantly reducing dengue cases in several localities.

However, as Dr Zulkifli emphasised, it is critical for all sectors of society to participate in dengue prevention efforts.

“ DPAM aims to synergise efforts by various stakeholders to assist the MoH in achieving national and global dengue targets.”

The campaign will focus on educating the public through accessible information, including expert videos and public service advertisements on social media platforms.

Vaccination is highlighted as a key defence against severe dengue infections. Dengue Vaccine Position Paper Chairman Professor Dr Zamberi Sekawi discussed the efficacy of the TAK-003 dengue vaccine, which has shown over 80 per cent effectiveness in preventing symptomatic dengue infections.

“ This vaccine has a strong safety profile, backed by extensive clinical studies,” he assured.

The vaccine is currently available in private clinics and hospitals across Malaysia. Dr. Zamberi encouraged all individuals aged four and above to consider vaccination, noting its significant role in reducing hospitalisations due to dengue.

The ENDD campaign also recognises the vital role of corporate partnerships, with Dr Koh expressing gratitude to Takeda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. for their ongoing support in educational initiatives. This collaboration underscores the importance of a united front in public health advocacy. aspect of menstruation. Misunderstandings surrounding this condition can lead to the dangerous assumption that such symptoms should be tolerated.

These issues were addressed at a media briefing hosted by Bayer, titled " Anything but Normal," which aimed to raise awareness about HMB as a potential indicator of more serious health concerns and encouraged women to seek help.

The event featured a panel of distinguished experts, including Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Premitha Damodaran, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecology Professor Dr Mohamad Nasir Shafiee, and Women’ s Health Dietitian and Personal Trainer Xinthia Chua.

Bayer remains committed to raising awareness about HMB. To support this initiative, Bayer has launched a dedicated website,( www. know-your-period. com), designed to provide valuable information and resources, helping women navigate the complexities of heavy menstrual bleeding and encouraging them to seek medical assistance.

FUTURE SURGERY: Orthopaedic Surgery Specialist Dr Rizal Abdul Rani demonstrating Mako Surgical.

PANTAI Hospital Kuala Lumpur( PHKL) recently held its inaugural Ortho Experience Day, providing an exclusive opportunity for attendees to engage with the hospital ' s advanced MAKO Robotic Surgery System. This innovative technology represents a significant advancement in joint replacement procedures.

Participants had the chance to operate the robotic arm on a surgical dummy, gaining firsthand experience of how robotic-assisted technology enhances surgical precision, optimises implant placement, and accelerates recovery times. PHKL ' s orthopaedic specialists were present to discuss the evolving landscape of treatments for bone, joint, and sports injuries.

Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery offers numerous advantages for patients, including:

• Enhanced surgical precision and accuracy of implants

• Customised surgical planning tailored to individual anatomy

• Minimised soft tissue damage and reduced post-operative pain

• Quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay

• Improved long-term joint function and durability of implants

This interactive experience underscores PHKL ' s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies in both patient care and the continuous training of medical professionals, ensuring that patients receive the most sophisticated and personalised treatments available.

As conditions like osteoarthritis increasingly affect Malaysians each year, PHKL is dedicated to advancing technologies that promote faster recovery, better outcomes, and personalised orthopaedic care.