Malaysia

With a surge in physical activity comes a noticeable rise in injuries, particularly among weekend warriors, casual athletes who play hard but train little.

Taylor’s University’s REST therapy and Holmium-166 Rods are part of a broader shift toward theranostics, where therapy and diagnostics are seamlessly integrated and responsibly translated from research into clinical practice.

A child’s ability to fight infections is shaped by a mix of factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle habits, and preventive measures.

Facial trauma refers to injuries affecting the face’s skin, soft tissues, or bones. These injuries are often seen as cosmetic, but they can involve serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.

United Voice works tirelessly to change hearts and minds, so that society can learn more about how to welcome and include individuals with different needs and abilities.

Malaysians are known for their love of food, but are we actually getting the nutrients we need? Dr Lee Ching Li, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the School of Health Sciences, IMU University, explains the common misconceptions surrounding malnutrition, and how we can do better.

Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia has facilitated over 70,000 anaemia risk screenings, demonstrating a shift from awareness to measurable preventive action.

With incidents ranging from femicide and sexual violence in schools to the proliferation of deepfake pornography, the event highlighted that these are not isolated tragedies, but symptoms of a systemic crisis now amplified by technology.

Feeling healthy is different from being healthy. Prioritising prevention and early screening is vital to patient safety, as it is far easier and safer than emergency treatment.

Managing childhood allergies requires teamwork between parents and health care providers. Regular check-ups with a paediatrician are essential for early detection and treatment.

4.2 per cent (135 people) of HIV infections were among adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years.

“We should consider a perspective that emphasises active ageing and views all citizens as lifelong human capital,” said Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn. “This means prioritising continuous upskilling and reskilling, recognising that every stage of life represents a phase of peak potential.”

Every type of sexual offence including child pornography, child grooming, physical sexual assault on a child, and non-physical sexual assault on a child increased significantly in the last three years.

Diabetes is a chronic condition, but manageable. With the right support, treatment, and mindset, people can live well and avoid complications.

The number of AIDS cases among individuals aged 19 and below also dipped by 16.7 per cent from 24 cases in 2023 to 20 cases in 2024. However, cases of HIV among individuals in the same age bracket rose by 15.2 per cent from 125 cases in 2023 to 144 in 2024.

The percentages of both primary and secondary students exhibiting signs of anxiety and depression have been decreasing from the 2022/2023 school session to September 2025, according to the Healthy Mind Screening Programme.

NDO’s collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports enables its mental health and sports programme to reach more states in Malaysia.

The data points to significant levels of burnout among essential care workers and an intent to leave their current positions within the next five years.

With the rising prevalence of strokes in Malaysia and worldwide, awareness of early symptoms and the importance of post-stroke care is more critical than ever.

In conjunction with the recent World Mental Health Day, IMU University clinical psychologist and senior lecturer Dr Serena In delves into the challenges surrounding mental health among men.

Shifting Malaysia’s education system from tokenistic integration to true inclusion requires a fundamental shift in mindset, infrastructure, and policy implementation, says Ras Adiba Radzi, president of Persatuan OKU Sentral. The goal is to transform schools from places that merely tolerate children with disabilities to be a place where they can actively participate, be successful and valued, just like everyone else.

Consultant clinical oncologist Dr Ben Yap explains how holistic care and modern treatments help patients reclaim identity, confidence and hope.

SJMC partnered with the Subang Jaya state assembly to sponsor 40 3D mammogram screenings worth RM15,880 for women in Subang Jaya, especially those from underserved communities.

The digital platform brings together health care experts, advocates, and everyday women to reshape the narrative on menopause and midlife.

There is a need for more proactive conversations, timely follow-up, and community support for women after initial treatment—especially those with early breast cancer who may feel “finished” with care, but still benefit from ongoing monitoring.

A multidisciplinary approach is one of the key pillars of cancer care at SMC’s Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit.

For patients living with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, every diagnosis marks the start of a journey, one shaped by fear, resilience, and above all, hope.

While many consider the flu a seasonal inconvenience, it remains a significant public health concern, causing millions of severe cases and yearly fatalities. 

A gentle yet powerful mental health tool is colour therapy. More than just decoration, colours influence how we feel, heal, and connect.

Retinal detachment is more common than many think, occurring in approximately 7 to 14 per 100,000 cases, and is not caused by lifestyle or diet, but rather structural factors.

Breakthroughs in medicine and early, accurate detection are transforming cancer care, ensuring the right treatment at the right time, and paving the way for more patients to not only survive but truly thrive.

The book aims to inspire confidence, resilience, and hope for those navigating breast cancer and showcases the shared efforts to shape a more compassionate, inclusive, and connected breast cancer community in Malaysia.

The answer to why some medicines work on some people and not others can be found in our genetic makeup. Prof Dr Mai Chun Wai from IMU University explains.

Early detection of breast cancers in the asymptomatic phase translates to much higher cure and overall survival rates.

When we shop, cook, and eat responsibly, we’re not just nourishing ourselves–we’re contributing to a more sustainable food system for Malaysia’s future.

Though rare, ovarian tumours present complex diagnostic, emotional, and treatment challenges for young patients, families, and health care providers.

Chief children’s commissioner of Suhakam Farah Nini Dusuki said that a diversion, such as placement in approved institutions, should be considered for boys below 18 charged with statutory rape. This approach strikes a balance between accountability and rehabilitation so that young offenders are not punished like adult criminals, but are still held responsible and undergo rehabilitation.

Amway is dedicated to shaping holistic well-being at every stage of life, from focusing on phytonutrients and the gut microbiome to supporting cellular health.

Surgery can be a life-saving and life-changing option. Yet, many older patients are denied the option of surgery because of outdated perceived notions based solely on age.

When organisations frame disability employment as an act of charity rather than a human right, it creates a dynamic ripe for exploitation, according to a report by Arrow and The Datum Initiative. Employers, emboldened by their self-ascribed altruism, may neglect fair remuneration,career advancement, and meaningful inclusion, believing that mere employment is enough.

A recurring theme across the experiences of women with disabilities interviewed for the report was the systemic lack of care and accessibility within Malaysia’s health care system, especially in government facilities. Many respondents reported that unless a facility already had accessible systems in place, staff were often unwilling to make even minor accommodations for their disabilities.

In conjunction with World Heart Day, the public are invited to take part in an engaging programme centred on prevention and heart health education.

Most respondents of a study conducted for the report reported only becoming aware of SRHR concepts once they became sexually active, or when they were preparing for childbirth. The assumption that SRHR is only relevant upon marriage or motherhood ignores the full scope of rights, autonomy, and health that disabled individuals are entitled to throughout their lives, noted the report by Arrow and The Datum Initiative.

As of 2025, global statistics reveal that roughly 6 to 13 per cent of women suffer from PCOS, but over 70 per cent of affected women remain undiagnosed.

Women continue to make up the overwhelming majority of domestic violence victims at 75 per cent of all cases from 2022 to 2024 or 14,307 victims. The top five categories of victims are wives, followed by parents, siblings and ex-wives.

In 2024, Malaysia recorded 3,791 cases of measles with an incidence rate of 100.4 cases per million people, an increase of 89.4 per cent from 2023 which recorded 2,002 cases with an incidence rate of 60 cases per million people. Sabah (2,015), Selangor (491) and Kedah (260) recorded the highest number of cases in 2024.

The WHO reports sepsis affects 49 million globally each year, causing 11 million deaths, nearly half of which are children, about 2.9 million.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said a shortage of skilled manpower, low ratio of therapists compared to regional countries, unbalanced distribution of appropriate medical specialists, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as limited rural facilities are some of the major gaps in when it comes to addressing the surge in autism and ADHD cases.

Initiatives that address period poverty in Malaysia have usually been implemented under the broader banner of sanitation or reproductive health, while the framing of period poverty as a distinct issue has been largely absent, according to a Suhakam report. The commission called for a robust national framework to address period poverty effectively.

It is crucial to recognise lymphoma symptoms early, as timely diagnosis and early intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes. 

Suhakam’s report on menstruation highlights the unique challenges of period poverty for women in vulnerable communities. A pregnant indigenous woman expressed deep anxiety that she did not know how she would care for herself due to the lack of water during the dry season. A doctor who works with children with disabilities said he has received requests from parents to remove the uterus of their daughters.

In a recently released report, Suhakam said inadequate menstrual education from an early age and the trivialisation of menstrual needs subject girls and women in Malaysia to discomfort, shame, pain, and restrictive practices that jeopardise their health, safety, comfort and dignity.

The launch of Dugro’s “Wall of Iron Strong” exhibition highlights success stories and reinforces the call for collective action on early nutritional screening.

The event featured free health screenings, expert-led talks, and hands-on training to support residents in safeguarding their health.

The programme directly addresses the gap in early detection, particularly among underserved communities.

The theme “Best Practices in Patient Navigation and Innovative Funding Solutions for Equitable Access to Breast Cancer Care in Southeast Asia” addressed vital issues such as patient support, funding, awareness, and access to treatment.

Extended screen time and less outdoor activity are causing more vision issues among Malaysian children, with headaches, blurry vision, and eye strain becoming common signs of deeper vision problems.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to obesity, an integrated approach can offer individuals a more realistic and sustainable path toward better health.

In its report, Suhakam said that addressing the shortcomings of menstrual health provision in Malaysia requires restructuring medical training, investing in gender specific health research, and creating a health care environment that validates, listens to, and believes women.

The funds raised will help provide essential services to paediatric cancer patients and their families, many of whom continue their treatment journeys with limited resources.

By combining strong hygiene practices with smart, health-forward home improvements, parents can create environments where children feel both safe and free to thrive.

The prevalence of PWS is about one out of 15,000 births, but due to the lack of awareness in Malaysia, many remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with other conditions.

An estimated 16 per cent of the Malaysian population are persons with disabilities, and many continue to be excluded from justice, education, health care, digital access, and basic accommodation.

Bringing together leading paediatric specialists from Malaysia, China, Singapore, and the US, the hybrid-format symposium served as a vital platform for sharing expertise, advancing clinical practices, and fostering global collaboration in children’s health care.

Suhakam says the recent spate of bullying cases reported in schools across the country is a systemic crisis of child safety. These disturbing incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained action to ensure that schools remain safe and nurturing environments for all children.

74 per cent of liver cancer cases in Malaysia are classified as Stage 4, bringing attention to the urgent need for greater awareness and earlier intervention.

The number of child abuse cases that led to death was 44 cases in 2020, 24 cases in 2021, 74 cases in 2022, 98 cases in 2023 and 114 cases in 2024.

The government’s pilot project to provide PrEP in government health clinics also had a low HIV infection rate (0.4 per cent) and improved fidelity to partners from 22.2 per cent at the start of the programme to 36.2 per cent after 12 months of PrEP, says the health minister.

The event explored ways to navigate Malaysia’s current population challenges with a focus on the empowerment and reproductive agency of young people.

While once-off outbursts are indicative of children being children, when these observations start to form a pattern, they can be signs of something larger lying beneath.

In Malaysia, dementia is growing faster than most realise, driven by an ageing population and widespread chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a growing concern in Malaysia, particularly among children under 5 years old.

Titled ‘Censorship of LGBTIQ Expressions under the PPPA’, the report highlights how the PPPA has become a blunt tool to suppress freedom of expression and reinforce state-sponsored discrimination against LGBTIQ people. It unpacks the weaponisation of national security, public order, public health and public morality as grounds to ban LGBTIQ related publications.

Leg pain isn’t always just a sign of ageing. With proper diagnosis and timely care, older Malaysians can enjoy better mobility, reduced pain, and a better quality of life.

The study, which investigated the impact of ethnicity, annual income and age on menopausal symptoms among working Malaysian women aged 40 to 60 years, found that women with an annual income of RM75,000 or more had significantly higher odds of reporting more than four symptoms, compared to those earning less than RM75,000. It also found that Indian women reported the highest prevalence of symptoms and had a 2.9-fold higher likelihood of experiencing four or more symptoms compared to Chinese women.

With its relentless heat and humidity, Malaysia’s tropical climate can make identifying adrenal disorders more challenging.

Modern treatments, early detection, and public awareness are giving new hope to brain tumour patients and their families.

“The decision to distribute condoms during our campaign, conducted with professional and regulated entities, was a public health intervention grounded in established best practices,” says the Student Representative Council (SRC) UTAR Sungai Long Campus. “It was never about promoting a particular lifestyle, but rather about equipping students with knowledge and tools to make informed, responsible choices.”

By combining strong hygiene practices with smart, health-forward home improvements, parents can create environments where children feel both safe and free to thrive.

Combining smart technology with medical diagnostics allow individuals to have more tools to detect sleep apnoea early, supporting better sleep quality and improved overall health.

Endometrial cancer is no longer a disease confined to older women. The rising incidence among younger women is a call to action for the medical community and the public.

This collaborative effort represents a step towards economic empowerment for students and enhanced care for the elderly, establishing a replicable framework for social impact across Malaysia.

Thanks to innovations like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), patients are now getting treatments tailored to their cancer’s unique genetic profile, changing not just how long they live, but how well they live.

Prof Dr Malaika Watanabe, Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine at IMU University, discusses the role of bioveterinary sciences in preserving animal health and welfare, for our sake as well as theirs.

Allied Health Professionals play a pivotal role in delivering patient-centred care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive services, from diagnosis to recovery and rehabilitation.

As an expectant mom, you would want a space that reflects your personal style while also ensuring it’s safe for your growing family.

“Parents, educators, digital platform operators, policymakers and society as a whole need to work together to ensure that this country’s digital space is free from exploitation, harassment and abuse of children,” says Farah Nini Dusuki, Suhakam’s children’s commissioner.

“To truly challenge the culture of silence, we must address a range of cultural and structural issues by ensuring anonymous support for survivors, raising awareness and educating people, and fighting gender stereotypes,” said Hannah Yeoh, minister of youth and sports. “The more we raise awareness on this, the more people will feel safe to come forward.”

“A peer patient is someone who has lived with the disease for a long time and is able to assess her experience and knowledge, understand the care pathways, and the emotional and practical impact of the illness, and can share this with others,” said Evodie Paul, a physiotherapist from France, who conducts therapeutic education programmes that involve peer patients in France.

Early detection, regular screenings, and taking proactive steps for your health can make all the difference. Prevention and early action save lives.

Brain tumours rarely present with dramatic symptoms at the start, making it vital to recognise the small shifts, be it a recurring headache, mood change, or trouble concentrating, before they turn into medical emergencies.

4,602 clients reached out to RRAAM through its hotline between January and December last year for advice and assistance on contraception and access to abortion.

Understanding of endometriosis-associated pain has evolved in recent years due to a more modern understanding of the mechanisms underlying pain, says Prof Katy Vincent, senior fellow in Pain in Women at Oxford University. She adds that pain education is a key component of all chronic pain management.

Few people realise that oral bacteria can cause imbalances in the gut ecosystem. This World Oral Health Day, Prof Seow Liang Lin, Dean from the School of Dentistry, IMU University, explains how the mouth and the gut are connected.

“These deaths were not accidents — they were preventable. The absence of basic safety features in high-rise homes directly contributed to the loss of these young lives. This is unacceptable in any society that claims to uphold children’s rights,” said Farah Nini Dusuki, Suhakam’s children’s commissioner.

By staying informed and adopting preventive measures, we can collectively reduce HFMD transmission and safeguard our children’s health.

“A person seeking care at a government hospital was reported to authorities by the very doctor she trusted. This betrayal destroys trust in the health care system and deters others from seeking care, putting lives and health at greater risk,” says the Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia (RRAAM).

At the Paddle for Pink: Pickleball Fundraising Tournament, everyone rallied around a single mission: to improve breast cancer survivorship across Malaysia.

On World Ovarian Cancer Day this month, it is time to pause and reflect on one of the most silent and life-threatening threats to women’s health, ovarian cancer.

Many remain unaware that HPV–the virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases–can be detected early and managed effectively through routine screenings.