Photo credit: Elucid

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) has entered a three-year partnership with Berlin-based social enterprise Elucid to provide healthcare access to 1,800 rubber farmers and their households, benefiting around 9,000 individuals in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The initiative is funded through GPSNR’s Shared Investment Mechanism (SIM) by 13 tire and rubber companies: Aeolus Tyre Co, Ltd., Apollo Tyres Ltd., Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Hankook Tire & Technology, Kumho Tire Co., Inc., Maxxis International, Nokian Tyres plc, Prometeon Tyre Group, Sumitomo Riko Company Limited, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., Toyo Tire Corporation and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.

Photo credit: GPSNR/FINCA International

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Thailand is taking note of the impact of excessive sugar on public health. Thus, its Department of Health has updated guidelines for beverage sugar content, defining “normal sweetness” as 50% instead of the previous 100%. The change aims to encourage healthier drink choices and reduce the risks associated with high sugar consumption.

Announced on February 11, 2026, the new guideline is intended to help prevent overweight conditions and non-communicable diseases. The Department highlighted that lowering sugar intake can improve overall health, including skin health. Drinks with half the usual sweetness may slow premature aging, support stable blood sugar for better focus and reduced fatigue, and help reduce abdominal fat and water retention.

Reducing sweetness can also restore natural taste sensitivity, making less-sweet foods more enjoyable. It eases strain on the liver and pancreas, supports metabolism, and lowers the risk of future conditions such as fatty liver disease and diabetes.

Taste receptors for sweetness adjust in about two weeks. While drinks may feel less satisfying at first, maintaining the lower sugar level for more than 10 days can make healthier choices easier to stick with.

Dr Marfu’ah Nik Eezamuddeen and Ms Kuah Rui Ning of Subang Jaya Medical Centre

Resource persons: Dr Marfu’ah Nik Eezamuddeen, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Ms Kuah Rui Ning, Registered Counsellor, Subang Jaya Medical Centre

For many, a cancer diagnosis still feels like an immediate loss of control, that is, a future defined by hospital corridors, aggressive treatments and lives put on hold. But cancer care today is undergoing a profound transformation. As science deepens its understanding of the disease, treatment is no longer driven by a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it is becoming more precise, more personal and increasingly focused on helping patients live well, not just survive.

While cancer may share the same name, no two patients experience it in the same way. Each person’s biology is different, as are their lives, circumstances, and the hopes, fears and priorities that shape their journey. Combining medical innovation with emotional and psychological support is helping many patients live longer and better with cancer.

Every patient is unique

“When I sit across a patient, I am not just seeing a diagnosis. I am seeing a life, a family and a future they are afraid of losing,” says Dr Marfu’ah. Over the past decade, cancer treatment has undergone a major transformation. Previously, treatment decisions were largely based on where the cancer started, such as the breast or lung, and followed standard protocols.

Today, doctors look much deeper. Through molecular pathology testing, specialists can study the unique biology and behavior of each cancer. This allows treatment to be tailored according to the individual cancer profile rather than relying solely on conventional approaches.

“Two patients may both have breast or lung cancer, yet their cancers and their lives can be very different,” she explains. “Personalized care recognizes that difference.”

In Malaysia, increased access to molecular testing has significantly changed how cancer care is delivered. These tests help oncologists make earlier and more precise treatment decisions, often identifying therapies that are more effective and better tolerated.

For patients, this brings clarity at a time that can feel overwhelming.“Instead of uncertainty, patients are able to understand why a certain treatment is recommended for them,” Dr Marfu’ah says. “That understanding gives them confidence and a greater sense of control.”

“United by Unique” journeys

Malaysia’s SJMC observed World Cancer Day on 4 February with the theme “United by Unique,” reminding the public that while cancer may appear similar on scans or reports, no two journeys are ever the same. Being “United by Unique” means recognizing that science and compassion must go hand in hand. It means treating the disease while never losing sight of the person behind it. Today, with advances in personalized medicine and a growing focus on emotional support, cancer care is no longer solely about survival. It is about helping patients live with meaning, dignity, and hope.

Advances in cancer treatment

Many Malaysians still associate cancer treatment with harsh chemotherapy and severe side effects. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy remain essential tools, newer options have changedhow patients experience treatment.

Advances such as immunotherapy and oral targeted therapy allow treatment to target cancer cells more precisely. In some cases, these therapies are better tolerated and allow patients to continue with daily routines.

“Cancer treatment today is often far more manageable than people expect,” says Dr Marfu’ah.“Many patients are still able to work, care for their families and maintain their independence during treatment, “ she adds.

These developments have been particularly meaningful in cancers such as lung and breast cancer, where survival outcomes have improved significantly. “I have seen patients live years longer than what was previously expected,” she shares. “But what matters most is not just how long they live, but how they live.”

She recalls young mothers watching their children grow up and individuals continuing their careers while undergoing treatment. “This shift reminds us that cancer care is no longer only about extending life. It is also about preserving purpose, identity and meaning.”

Personalized care that honors every patient’s life

While medical tests guide clinical decisions, personalized care goes far beyond laboratory results.

“A patient’s background, lifestyle, beliefs and family responsibilities matter deeply,” Dr Marfu’ah explains. “Some prioritize longevity, while others prioritize independence or being present for their children.”

Listening to these priorities allows treatment plans to reflect what matters most to each patient.

“My role is not just to treat cancer,” she says. “It is to help patients walk through treatment with clarity, dignity and as little fear as possible.”

This approach becomes especially important when patients are coping with fear after diagnosis.

“Fear is a natural response,” she adds. “I often tell patients that it is normal to feel afraid. We will take this one step at a time, together.”

By explaining treatment plans clearly and outlining available support, many patients begin to realize that a cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean the end of their life or identity.

“Modern cancer care is a partnership between the medical team, the patient and their loved ones, ”she says.

An emotional journey

While medical advances play a vital role, cancer affects far more than the body alone. The emotional journey can be just as complex and challenging.

From the counselling perspective, Kuah Rui Ning sees cancer as a deeply personal experience that unfolds in stages. “At diagnosis, it often feels like a sudden storm,” she says. “There is shock, disbelief, fear and vulnerability. Many patients feel their world has paused.”

As treatment begins, the emotional landscape shifts. “I often describe it as a marathon,” she explains. “There is anxiety and determination at the start, but as side effects build, patients reach what I call the long middle.”

Fatigue, emotional exhaustion and loss of motivation are common during this phase. Yet she also witnesses moments of unexpected strength. “Many patients realize they are stronger than they believed. They discover strength they never knew they had.”

Survivorship, she adds, can be equally complex. “While there is relief and hope, there can also befear of recurrence and anxiety about trusting the body again. Learning to rebuild a sense of normal takes courage.”

Across every stage, one need remains constant. “Patients want to be heard,” she says. “They want to know their feelings are valid.”

Helping patients express feelings into words

From a counselling perspective, understanding how a patient is coping emotionally is an important part of care. Kuah explains that she often uses simple assessment tools such as a distress thermometer, which allows patients to rate their emotional or physical distress on a scale.

“For many patients, feelings like fear or anxiety can be difficult to describe,” she says. “This tool helps make those emotions more concrete and opens a conversation about what is truly weighing on them.”

Apart from verbal conversations, she also incorporates expressive arts therapy for selected patients. Through drawing, colors or creative expression, patients are able to communicate emotions that may feel overwhelming or difficult to articulate.

“The process creates a safe and supportive space for reflection,” she explains. “It allows patients to express their experiences in a gentler way and often helps them reconnect with themselves during a very uncertain time.”

Caring for the whole person

People-centered cancer care extends far beyond medical treatment. It is about supporting emotional, mental and social wellbeing alongside physical health.

“To me, it is not just treating a disease,” Kuah says, adding “It is caring for the whole person.”

Families and caregivers play an equally important role. Counselling helps strengthen these support systems by offering education, emotional support and guidance in communication.

Research indicates that emotionally supported caregivers demonstrate improved coping abilities, greater confidence in their caregiving role, reduced anxiety, and enhanced marital and family relationships. Such interventions help caregivers feel more prepared and less distressed, which in turn is likely to lead to more positive outcomes for patients.

Sustaining quality of life while living with cancer

Medical and psychological care are deeply connected. Emotional support has been shown to influence treatment tolerance, motivation and overall wellbeing.

“When patients feel supported, we often see improvements in rest, appetite and confidence, ”Kuah shares. “These factors affect how the body copes with treatment.”

In challenging cases, such as patients undergoing intensive therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, psychological care can help individuals persevere through difficult side effects. “When patients understand their emotions and learn coping strategies, they move through treatment not as passive recipients, but as resilient individuals.”

Image credit: Abbott

A new survey conducted by YouGov, a global public opinion and data company, and commissioned by global healthcare company Abbott, has found that while most Malaysians living with diabetes regularly monitor their glucose levels, significant gaps remain in understanding long-term diabetes control. Nine in ten respondents said they check their glucose routinely, yet nearly 40% could not recall their HbA1c levels, a key indicator of average blood sugar control over three months.

The report surveyed a mix of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, aged 18 and above, who participated in a 10-minute online survey in 2025.

The findings show that frequent self-testing often builds confidence, even when knowledge is incomplete. About 77% of regular testers who were unsure about their glucose status still believed they were managing their diabetes well. Many respondents continue to rely on finger-prick tests, which provide only a single reading at one moment in time and do not show glucose trends, creating a misplaced sense of control.

According to Sven Seyffert, divisional Vice President of Abbott’s diabetes care business in Asia Pacific, glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day and are influenced by individual factors, making tools that track trends in real time especially valuable for people with frequent fluctuations.

Long-term control is challenging

The survey examined awareness of diet, physical activity, medication use, and monitoring at a time when only about 35% of Malaysians with diabetes meet the Ministry of Health’s HbA1c target of 6.5% or lower. Respondents were asked about daily management habits, perceived ease of control, and where they seek information about living with diabetes.

Diet awareness and management

Most respondents showed strong awareness of how food affects glucose levels. About 85% understood the impact of diet, and 61% recognized the role of regular monitoring, regardless of HbA1c levels. Half reported reducing carbohydrate intake after diagnosis, and nearly 90% turned to social media for dietary advice. However, maintaining diet can be a struggle during festive seasons. About 78%found diabetes management easier during non-festive periods, compared with only 39% during festive times, particularly among those using insulin injections.

Dr. Chan Siew Pheng, Emeritus Professor of endocrine medicine at the University of Malaya, said food factors significantly in glucose variability and that pairing dietary awareness with continuous glucose monitoring can help people better understand how their bodies respond to different foods and daily activities.

Compliance to medication is strong but activity levels low

Medication adherence was relatively high, with seven in ten respondents taking their medicines exactly as prescribed. Physical activity, however, was found to be limited. Only one in five exercised very regularly, and nearly 80% reported exercising less than 150 minutes per week, mirroring national data that show high levels of sedentary behavior.

Healthcare professionals as trusted information sources

Healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source of diabetes information, with 76% of respondents relying on doctors, dieticians, and nurses, and dieticians ranking just after doctors. The survey also found that emotional experiences influence how people seek information. Nearly 80% said they felt accepted and supported by others, a factor linked to lower self-blame and a more constructive approach to managing the condition.

Vaccination still advised for high-risk groups

According to Herbosa, influenza is generally a self-limiting illness, although complications may occur among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions. He reiterated the recommendation for flu vaccination, particularly for individuals in these groups. The variant, officially classified as subclade K, is linked to the H3N2 strain of Influenza A, which is associated with seasonal flu outbreaks.

Related: Flu on the rise: How Asia is managing a widespread seasonal threat 

Guidance for overseas travelers

Herbosa advised Filipinos traveling to temperate regions such as North America and the UK to remain informed about flu activity in those areas. According to him, travelers may consider receiving the northern hemisphere flu vaccine, especially when visiting colder climates during winter months. Reports indicate that the H3N2 subclade K variant has been circulating in several countries in recent months.

Source: PCO

Discussions on the proposed 2026–2030 expansion are underway within an inter-ministerial framework. A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on health cooperation was reviewed recently at the Council for the Development of Cambodia.

Secretary of State for Health Yuok Sambath said the US continues to be a key partner in Cambodia’s efforts to control infectious diseases and build high-capacity disease surveillance systems. The proposed agreement is intended to provide a formal framework for cooperation covering HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, global health security, disease surveillance, outbreak response, health data systems and technical assistance. It also seeks to promote transparency and efficient use of resources in support of Cambodia’s objective of universal health coverage.

Yong Kim Eng, Executive Director of the Citizens’ Center for Peace and Development, said Cambodia–US relations in health, national defense and other sectors have stabilized in recent years. He intoned that sustaining the broader strategic partnership would require continued attention to issues identified as priorities by the US, including human trafficking, online fraud, democracy and human rights.

In November, Health Minister Chheang Ra met with US Chargé d’Affaires Bridgette Walker to discuss ongoing support for Cambodia’s health sector, and cooperation in implementing the America First Global Health Strategy; and Ra acknowledging US contributions to strengthening healthcare system resilience and public health outcomes.

Source: Khmer Times

The Philippine government has set the 2026 national budget at Php 6.793 trillion, with health receiving increased funding, citing the growing public needs. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said priority allocations to these sectors are critical to long-term national growth.

Under the proposed budget, funding for the health sector was raised to Php 447.6 billion. This includes a Php 129.78-billion allocation for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (Philhealth), a tax-exempt government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).

Gatchalian also said additional funding was provided for the Zero Balance Billing program in Department of Health hospitals, as well as for specialty hospitals.

The Senate has approved the 2026 national budget, clearing it for transmittal to Malacañang for the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Source: PNA

In a statement, the advocates said the proposal adopts the World Health Organization’s (WHO) SAFER technical package, an evidence-based framework to reduce alcohol-related injuries, violence, and health risks. Unlike existing local measures such as sales bans or curfews, the ordinance seeks wider regulation covering alcohol availability, age of access, consumption, and marketing.

ImagineLaw project manager Reina Fabregas said the measure responds to the continued occurrence of alcohol-related harm in the Philippines and shows the city’s focus on public health and safety.

Alcohol use has been linked to preventable injuries and disease nationwide. A 2022 study found that intoxication increases the risk of driver injury and death, while an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease 2024 report identified alcohol as the country’s third leading risk factor for disease burden.

Philippine Heart Association (PHA) representative Rodney Jimenez said lowering alcohol consumption at the community level could help reduce cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) National Institutes of Health researcher Katherine Ann Reyes said the proposal shows how local governance can encourage healthier lifestyles by regulating both alcohol availability and marketing.

The proposed ordinance also covers tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, and includes penalties and funding for enforcement. Advocates said they are ready to support Quezon City as the measure moves toward passage and implementation.

Source: PNA

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority now join the WLA network, which includes 41 authorities from 39 countries. WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data Yukiko Nakatani said the expanded network supports a more inclusive and globally connected regulatory system that improves access to safe, effective and quality health products worldwide.

Also Read: Less imports, more local – Indonesia’s pharma game plan 

The WLA framework supports regulatory reliance by allowing regulators, international agencies and procurement bodies to use the decisions of listed authorities. This approach reduces duplicated reviews, helps ease supply constraints and speeds access to medicines and vaccines, including during health emergencies.

WHO grants WLA status through a voluntary and science-based assessment using internationally agreed standards. Regulatory authorities undergo detailed technical evaluations to show reliable oversight across specific areas of medical product regulation.

Also Read: Floods disrupt lives of children in Indonesia – Report 

Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority is the first standalone regulator from a middle-income country to achieve WLA status. WHO said the designation demonstrates that advanced regulatory capacity can be achieved across different resource settings and may encourage other low- and middle-income countries to pursue similar recognition.

With Australia’s inclusion, all authorities previously classified as stringent regulatory authorities have completed the transition into the WLA framework. WHO said other national regulators have already expressed interest in entering the process, indicating growing uptake of the system.

Source: WHO

In Aceh province, damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure has left several villages inaccessible. The organization also cited Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency report that at least 990 deaths, including children, linked to the floods and landslides.

Aid workers in the affected areas report that many families remain internally displaced and are staying in temporary shelters with limited protection. Children are living in open or makeshift spaces and are exposed to rain, wind and mosquitoes, increasing the risk of illness. Health workers have treated children for coughs, colds and skin conditions, while concerns persist for infants living in inadequate shelter conditions.

Relief efforts have included the distribution of emergency kits, food, mattresses and medicines, as well as the establishment of child friendly spaces that offer psychosocial support through play and creative activities to help children regain a sense of normalcy.

Education has been severely disrupted, with an estimated 250,000 students affected. Children in flood hit areas have been unable to attend school for around two weeks, and hundreds of schools have been damaged by the disaster.

Access to remote areas in Central and North Aceh and Bener Meriah remains a major challenge, with some locations reachable only by air or after hours of walking, according to local partners involved in the response, according to Al Fadhil, Director of the Geutanyo Foundation, Save the Children’s local partner .

Health support, screenings and medicines have reached about 2,500 people so far through coordination between humanitarian groups and provincial health authorities. International aid agencies have worked in Indonesia for decades, responding to major disasters including the 2004 tsunami and the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake.