“The first time was in 2014, just one day before Hari Raya,” she recalled. “I had been having a fever for a few days, but I thought it was nothing serious.”

When her condition worsened, she was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with dengue. At that time, she was in Penang with her husband’s family and far from her elderly mother, who was in Terengganu.

Related: Dengue cases rise 20.7% nationwide, says Dzulkefly

Meanwhile, unknown to her, her mother had also been running a fever for several days, but had not sought treatment.

“She was actually preparing to come and visit me,” Pn Syelina said. “But before she could, she collapsed in the bathroom. There was so much blood.”

Her mother was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with dengue haemorrhagic fever, a severe and potentially fatal form of the disease.

“I was in hospital, and she was in ICU, in another state,” she said. “I couldn’t go to her. That was the hardest part.”

That year, Hari Raya was not a celebration, but a fight for survival, and instead of coming together, dengue stole one of their most precious family moments, replacing joy with fear and separation.

“I had my Raya in the hospital bed. My mother had hers in ICU,” she said. “We weren’t celebrating together, we were just holding on and praying that both of us would make it to see each other again.”

Doctors warned that her mother’s condition was critical.

“She was unconscious, losing a lot of blood and needed transfusions,” she said. “It was terrifying.”

Pn Syelina was discharged after 10 days, earlier than planned, so she could travel immediately to Terengganu to be by her mother’s side. After three weeks in hospital, including time in ICU, her mother eventually recovered.

More than a decade later, in 2025, dengue struck again.

This time, Pn Syelina fell ill first, followed shortly by her eight-year-old daughter.

“At first, it was just a fever.” she said. “But by the fourth day, my daughter became very weak. Her platelet count kept dropping.”

Her condition deteriorated rapidly, developing severe dengue with plasma leakage. As her daughter’s platelet count plunged to single digits, she faced a high risk of bleeding and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring.

“At that moment, fear completely took over,” she said. “All I could think about was what happened to my mother 11 years ago. I kept imagining history repeating itself… and if I’m about to go through that all over again, but this time, with my daughter.”

Even as Pn Syelina battled dengue herself, she made the difficult decision to be discharged early so she could be admitted to the same hospital as her daughter.

“I didn’t want her to go through it alone,” she said.

As mother and daughter remained in hospital, the burden of everything at home fell solely on her husband, who had to shoulder it all on his own.

“He had to manage everything – his job at the bank, my events business, our staff, and our son at home,” she said. “At the same time, he was worried about both of us in hospital. It was a lot for one person, and he struggled to keep things going.”

Beyond the medical crisis, it was the disruption to everyday family life that weighed most heavily, with loved ones separated, routines broken, and one person left carrying the full responsibility of care and keeping the household running.

“We missed home the most,” she said. “What we longed for wasn’t just recovery, but to feel safe together again as a family…back in our own space, living our normal life.”

Today, even after recovery, the impact remains.

“Whenever I see mosquitoes now, I feel anxious,” she admitted. “Even my family is more careful. We avoid going out during rainy days because we are afraid.”

Having experienced dengue twice, her perspective has changed completely.

“The second time was worse. Even after I was discharged, the exhaustion lingered and I still felt very tired for weeks,” she said. “Now the fear continues to stay with me. I’m worried – what if it happens again?”

A disease still underestimated

According to Dr Anis Siham binti Zainal Abidin, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Intensive Care specialist, dengue continues to be dangerously underestimated, largely because it often begins like a common viral fever.

“The reality is that dengue can turn severe very quickly, and there is no specific cure,” she explained. “Within 24 hours, a patient can deteriorate and be fighting for their life.”

Warning signs such as persistent high fever (39 – 40°C), abdominal pain, fatigue and vomiting should never be ignored, she stressed.

Severe dengue typically develops after the fever subsides, and can lead to life-threatening complications including plasma leakage, bleeding and organ failure.

“When blood vessels leak, fluid can accumulate in the lungs and abdomen, making breathing difficult. At the same time, platelet levels drop, increasing the risk of bleeding. This combination can quickly lead to organ dysfunction,” she said.

For Pn Syelina’s case, Dr Anis added, highlights a critical reality: dengue does not discriminate.

“It affects all age groups, from young children to the elderly, and infection can happen more than once because there are four different strains of the virus,” she said. “In fact, second infections of a different strain can carry a higher risk of severe dengue.”

Prevention Is key to protection

With no cure for dengue, prevention remains the most effective defence. Dr Anis urges Malaysians to adopt a proactive approach:

• Eliminate breeding grounds: Even small amounts of stagnant water in containers, drains or household items can become mosquito breeding sites.

• Protect against bites: Use repellents, wear protective clothing and install screens or mosquito nets.

• Seek early medical care: Dengue can now be detected as early as the first day of symptoms – early diagnosis can save lives.

• Speak to your doctor about dengue vaccination.

“At the end of the day, we need to shift our mindset,” said Dr Anis. “Too often, people think ‘it won’t happen to me’, until it does, and precious family moments are suddenly taken away when it’s already too late.”

For families like Pn Syelina’s, the lesson is painfully clear – surviving dengue is only part of the story, living with the fear of it coming back is another.

“When dengue happens, it’s already too late to wish you had done more,” she said. “No one should have to lose precious moments together like Raya to understand how serious it is, because by then, it’s already too late to protect the moments that matter most.”

Schematic of the fluorescent nanosensor platform showing rapid detection of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and differentiation between healthy and diseased samples. (Photo: NIE/NTU)

Researchers from the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NIE NTU) Singapore, and the Singapore- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) in collaboration with clinicians from the National University Hospital (NUH) and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have developed a new fluorescent nanosensor capable of rapidly detecting indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), an emerging biomarker linked to gut health and disease.

IPA is a metabolite produced by gut bacteria during the breakdown of dietary tryptophan, an amino acid essential for protein synthesis. It plays an important role in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress and has been associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. However, current detection methods rely on mass spectrometry-based analytical techniques that are costly and time-consuming, making them impractical for routine screening or point-of-care use.

Pioneering optical nanosensor for IPA detection

The newly developed platform is the first reported optical nanosensor specifically designed to detect IPA, addressing a long-standing gap in gut metabolite sensing. Using a fluorescence-based approach, the sensor produces a rapid optical readout within minutes, providing a significantly faster and more accessible alternative to conventional analytical techniques.

The nanosensor demonstrates high selectivity, distinguishing IPA from closely related metabolites commonly found in the gut. This enables accurate detection even in complex biological environments such as blood serum.

According to Assistant Professor Mervin Ang of NIE, who is a co-first author and was formerly Associate Scientific Director at SMART DiSTAP when the research began, the technology represents the first direct and rapid optical measurement of IPA levels in biological samples. He explained that moving beyond traditional mass spectrometry could lead to faster and more accessible approaches for monitoring gut health in real-world settings.

From agricultural sensing to human health

The breakthrough nanosensor, which was detailed in the paper , Fluorescent Nanosensor for Indole-3-Propionic Acid Detection in Gut Health Monitoring, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, builds on research conducted by SMART’s Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) interdisciplinary research group. Originally developed to monitor plant health, including plant growth signals and stress responses, the technology was adapted for human health applications by redesigning the nano- and optical-sensing platform to detect IPA.

Professor Michael Strano, SMART DiSTAP Lead Principal Investigator and Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, stated that the technology originated from molecular recognition techniques previously used to measure hormones and metabolites in living plants. Applying these techniques to the human gastrointestinal system enabled researchers to address a long-standing challenge in gut health monitoring.

Strano added that focusing molecular recognition on IPA had demonstrated a promising tool that could eventually support proactive and personalized healthcare by providing near-instant insights into gut wellness and chronic disease status, including IBD.

Dual-mode sensing capability

A key innovation of the technology is its dual-mode sensing capability. The nanosensor operates in a visible fluorescence mode, enabling rapid, low-cost, and high-throughput screening of biological samples. It also functions in a near-infrared mode, with wavelengths capable of penetrating deeper into tissues.

This near-infrared capability creates opportunities for in vivo applications and integration into wearable devices for home-based testing or continuous monitoring. Such applications could help patients with chronic conditions, including IBD, detect flare-ups earlier and manage their health more independently.

The platform’s flexibility enables use in a variety of settings, ranging from laboratory testing and hospital bedside diagnostics to wearable devices for real-time health monitoring.

Clinical validation

To assess its clinical relevance, the research team collaborated with clinicians from NUH to evaluate the nanosensor using 125 human plasma samples from multiple patient groups, including healthy individuals and patients with gastrointestinal diseases.

The study revealed significant differences in IPA levels between healthy individuals and patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients experiencing active gut inflammation exhibited lower IPA levels, consistent with established clinical findings.

Adjunct Associate Professor Jonathan Lee, Senior Consultant in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NUH and NUS Medicine and a co-first author of the study, indicated that a rapid and minimally complex method for assessing metabolites such as IPA could be highly valuable in clinical settings. He suggested that the technology could complement existing diagnostic tools and provide additional insights into patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Potential for personalized healthcare

The research may pave the way for faster and more accessible gut health testing. Rather than relying on complex and time-intensive laboratory methods, the nanosensor could support rapid screening in clinics and potentially enable portable or home-based testing. Such capabilities may facilitate earlier disease detection and simplify treatment monitoring.

Unlike conventional microbiome tests that focus on identifying which bacteria are present, the nanosensor measures what those microbes are actively producing. This provides a more direct and functional assessment of gut health. Measuring metabolite output rather than bacterial composition alone may generate more meaningful insights into overall health and support personalized healthcare strategies.

Broader applications

Apart from clinical diagnostics, the technology could be used to evaluate the immediate effectiveness of dietary interventions. Users may be able to determine quickly whether specific foods or probiotics are promoting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules such as IPA.

The sensor also demonstrated reliable performance in complex biological fluids, including serum and plasma, marking an important step toward clinical deployment and broader translational applications.

In pharmaceutical and therapeutic research, the nanosensor could facilitate rapid functional testing of new therapeutics and probiotics. By providing immediate IPA measurements, the platform may allow researchers to confirm biological activity and effectiveness in real time, potentially accelerating drug screening and dosage optimization.

Assistant Professor Ang shared that the transition from laboratory discovery to a point-of-care clinical tool is already underway. With further development, the platform could be translated into clinical applications and, over the longer term, adapted into portable systems for routine health monitoring.

Photo: University of Nottingham

Weakened tooth enamel can lead to tooth decay, infections, and tooth loss. It has also been linked to conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Unlike other tissues in the body, enamel does not naturally regenerate once it is lost. Current treatments, including fluoride varnishes and remineralization products, only manage the effects of enamel damage rather than restoring it.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering have developed a bioinspired material that could help regenerate damaged enamel, strengthen healthy teeth, and prevent future decay. The study, conducted with an international team of researchers, was published in Nature Communications.

The protein-based gel is fluoride-free and can be applied in the same way dentists use standard fluoride treatments. According to the researchers, the material mimics the natural proteins involved in enamel formation during infancy.

When applied to teeth, the gel forms a thin protective layer that fills small holes and cracks. It then acts as a scaffold, drawing calcium and phosphate ions from saliva to promote the controlled growth of new minerals through a process called epitaxial mineralization. This process allows the new mineral layer to integrate with existing tooth tissue while restoring the structure and properties of healthy enamel.

Researchers also found that the material can be applied to exposed dentine, where it forms an enamel-like layer. According to the study, this may help treat tooth sensitivity and improve the bonding of dental restorations.

Dr Abshar Hasan, a Postdoctoral Fellow and leading author of the study said dental enamel has a unique structure that protects teeth from physical, chemical, and thermal damage throughout life. He added that the new material promotes organized crystal growth on damaged enamel and exposed dentine, helping recover the architecture of natural healthy enamel.

Resource persons: Dr Tan Teik Hin, Consultant Nuclear Medicine Physician and Dr Wong Mei Wan, Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC)

Thyroid cancer, one of the most treatable cancers, remains under-discussed in Malaysia. According to The Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, it ranks as the 8th most common cancer among women, with an incidence rate of 4.2 per 100,000 populations. Women are more affected than men, a trend that researchers believe may be influenced by hormonal factors, particularly estrogen. While laboratory studies suggest estrogen may stimulate thyroid cell growth, large-scale population studies have not found a clear link between estrogen levels and increased thyroid cancer risk.

The thyroid gland, butterfly-shaped and often overlooked, sits at the base of the neck, quietly regulating metabolism, energy, and temperature. But when cancer strikes this small organ, symptoms are often subtle until they’re not.

Often dubbed a silent disease, thyroid cancer can develop without obvious symptoms. In many cases, a persistent neck lump or subtle voice changes are the first signs. While awareness has improved and more cases are now caught early through routine health screenings, confusion between thyroid cancer and common thyroid issues like hypothyroidism, goiter, and cancer continues to delay timely action.

Early warning signs

Dr Tan Teik Hin

“The thyroid produces thyroxine, a hormone essential for metabolism. Too much makes you restless and energetic, too little and you feel sluggish and cold,” explains Dr Wong. However, thyroid cancer isn’t about hormones. “Most patients with thyroid cancer have normal thyroid function. The cancer is typically a physical growth or nodule within the gland; it doesn’t cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and it’s not caused by them either,” clarifies Dr Tan.

Diagnosis usually starts when a patient notices a hard lump in the neck. Other symptoms may include voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes. Not all nodules are cancerous. Dr Wong says ultrasound and biopsy help distinguish benign from malignant ones.
Unlike many other cancers, thyroid cancer in Malaysia is not strongly linked to lifestyle factors like smoking. Family history can be a factor. “There are some hereditary types, but not every thyroid cancer is genetic. We only test when the family pattern is evident,” says Dr Wong. About two-thirds of her patients are women, which echoes a global trend.

Stages and survival rate

Dr Wong Mei Wan

Most Malaysians today are catching thyroid cancer at Stage 1, often through health screenings. “A decade ago, we used to see more late-stage cases, often Stage 3 or 4. This is a very encouraging shift,” says Dr Tan.

Dr Tan says that about 85% of thyroid cancers are slow-growing, mainly papillary or follicular types, and usually respond well to treatment. But once the cancer reaches Stage 4 and spreads to the lungs or bones, survival drops to below 50%.

Both doctors agree that while thyroid screening is not routine in Malaysia, public education remains vital. “If you feel a persistent lump in your neck, don’t wait to get it checked. An ultrasound and blood test are simple, accessible, and can be done at most clinics,” says Dr Wong.

Treatment pathways: surgery and radioactive iodine

Treatment often begins with surgery. “Once the tumor is removed, we check how aggressive it is. If it’s high-risk, we usually follow up with radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy,” explains Dr Tan.

RAI serves both treatment and diagnostic purposes. “It clears out any leftover cancer cells and lets us scan for hidden spread,” says Dr Tan. For small tumors under 1 cm, surgery alone may be enough. He reassures patients who are concerned about radiation: “Radioactive iodine is chemically identical to natural iodine in our bodies. It’s safe, well-tolerated, and rarely causes allergies. The concern is usually the word ‘radioactive,’ but it’s nothing like external beam radiation therapy”, he adds, emphasizing that strict patient safety protocols are always adhered to.

After treatment recurrence and long-term monitoring

While outcomes are usually good, recurrence can happen, often in the lymph nodes, even years later. “That’s why long-term follow-up is critical,” says Dr Wong.

Post-surgery, patients typically need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. “It’s similar to taking supplements; they are well accepted, and most patients can adjust quickly,” says Dr Wong.

For Stage 1 and 2 patients, Dr Tan recommends checks every six months for two years, then yearly for up to five. After that, follow-up can be based on comfort and risk.

Drugs like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) provide new options for advanced or resistant cases. “These are used when RAI is no longer effective. They shrink tumors before surgery or manage metastatic disease,” says Dr Tan. However, side effects such as fatigue, skin problems, proteinuria, or hypertension must be monitored closely.

The experts added that while thyroid cancer often grows slowly, early detection makes a big difference. “The earlier we treat, the better the outcome, so take your body seriously.”

Cases Identified

As of 4 May, seven cases linked to hantavirus had been identified, including two laboratory-confirmed infections and five suspected cases. Three people have died, one patient remains in intensive care, and three others reported mild symptoms.

According to WHO, symptoms developed between 6 and 28 April and included fever, gastrointestinal illness, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock. Authorities are conducting laboratory testing, case isolation, medical evacuations, and contact tracing.

WHO said two confirmed cases had traveled in South America, including Argentina, before boarding the ship. One patient died aboard the vessel on 11 April after developing respiratory distress, while another died in South Africa after becoming ill during a flight from Saint Helena. A third confirmed patient was evacuated to South Africa and remains hospitalized in intensive care.

Old disease, emerging health scare

Hantavirus is not a new disease, despite renewed public attention following recent infection cases. The first major outbreak documented in Western medicine occurred during the Korean War in the 1950s, when thousands of United Nations soldiers developed what was then called Korean Hemorrhagic Fever, now known as Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Although the disease was identified in the 1950s, the virus itself was not isolated until the late 1970s. It was later named the Hantaan virus after the Hantan River in South Korea, where investigations into the outbreak were concentrated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hantaviruses infect people worldwide and spread mainly through contact with infected rodents such as rats and mice, particularly through urine, droppings, or saliva. Transmission through bites or scratches is possible but rare.

Hantaviruses cause two main illnesses. In the Western Hemisphere, including the US, they can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease most commonly linked to the Sin Nombre virus in North America and the Andes virus in South America. In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses more commonly cause HFRS. The Seoul virus strain has also been detected globally, including in the US.

Symptoms to watch out for

Infection typically occurs in rural or rodent-infested areas and can cause symptoms ranging from fever and muscle pain to gastrointestinal illness, followed by sudden respiratory failure. Although uncommon worldwide, hantavirus infections can be fatal. Case fatality rates range from under 15% in Asia and Europe to as high as 50% in the Americas. There is no specific treatment or vaccine, but early intensive care improves survival.

Hantavirus infections are usually linked to exposure to infected rodents through urine, saliva, or droppings. Human-to-human transmission is rare, though limited spread has been documented in past outbreaks involving the Andes virus strain.

Transmission patterns in Asia

In Asia, hantavirus spread is linked to environmental changes that affect rodent populations and human contact with them. Cases usually rise twice a year, during spring and the colder autumn-winter months, when farming activities are more common. Farmers face higher risk due to inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or droppings. Weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity, along with urbanization and habitat changes, can also affect how the virus spreads.

Global response

WHO currently considers the global public health risk from the outbreak to be low. WHO pandemic preparedness and prevention director Maria Van Kerkhove said, “This is not COVID,” adding that the limited outbreak on the cruise ship does not signal the start of a COVID-like crisis or a pandemic.

The organization cautioned that additional hantavirus cases could still emerge and stressed the need for continued precautions. There are no vaccines and no known cure for the disease.

Despite the low global risk assessment, countries remain vigilant, with many in Asia adopting a cautious approach.

Indonesia, Thailand expand airport screening for hantavirus risk

Indonesia has tightened health screening and monitoring at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for arrivals from the US, Argentina, Uruguay, and Panama amid concerns over potential hantavirus transmission.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Health Quarantine Centre head Naning Nugrahini said the enhanced measures target travelers from countries where hantavirus cases have been detected, according to Antara news agency on Tuesday. She said the list of countries may be updated if new cases emerge.

Screening measures include health declarations through the Satu Sehat app, thermal scanning, and a dedicated lane for infectious disease evaluation. A special ambulance service has also been prepared for transporting suspected infectious cases, she said.

Naning said preparedness steps were already in place at the airport as part of ongoing monitoring efforts.

Indonesian authorities urged travelers to remain vigilant, as hantavirus can spread through contact with rodent urine, saliva, and contaminated environments.

Similarly, Thailand has enhanced screening of passengers arriving from South America following global concern over hantavirus cases linked to an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.

On May 12, Thai health authorities announced stricter measures- mandatory screening for travelers who have visited 13 South American countries within the past six weeks according to the Department of Disease Control, despite no reported domestic cases so far. Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said no cases of the deadly hantavirus have been detected in Thailand following a WHO alert on the cruise ship cases.

Passengers are required to submit detailed health declarations and report to disease control officers before immigration processing, said Dr Montien Kanasawadse, Director-General of the department.

Authorities have also ordered enhanced sanitation and vector control across all 74 international entry points, including cruise ships and transport vehicles.

Malaysia says no nationals on cruise; ups hantavirus monitoring

Malaysia has confirmed that no Malaysian citizens are among passengers or crew on the international cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

He said the country is closely monitoring the situation despite no domestic involvement, according to his remarks on May 9. Dr Dzulkefly said authorities will continue tracking developments at both global and regional levels to maintain border preparedness and healthcare readiness.

He added that, following direct communication with Singaporean health authorities, two Singaporean crew members on board the vessel had tested negative for hantavirus.

On May 10, Dr Dzulkefly said Malaysia had increased health screenings at all international entry points, with particular focus on the maritime sector, to prevent hantavirus from entering the country. Authorities have boosted maritime monitoring and require health checks for all ships entering Malaysian waters, especially from high-risk areas.

Dr Dzulkefly said the situation remains under control and does not involve Malaysians, but surveillance efforts will continue as a precaution.

Along the same vein, the Penang Port Commission has ramped up precautionary health surveillance at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. While Malaysia has zero infection cases to date, Chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the commission is bolstering ship sanitation checks and monitoring for rodent infestations to protect passengers, crew, and the local community.

He said the measures follow the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and are being carried out with the Health Ministry and other agencies. Health facilities at the terminal are on standby to handle suspected cases, while event-based surveillance has been intensified to detect unusual health incidents early.

Yeoh said cooperation with the Department of Veterinary Services and local authorities has also been expanded to improve vector control and environmental hygiene.

He advised passengers and crew to avoid contact with rodents or their droppings, use protective gear when cleaning contaminated areas, and seek medical care if symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, cough, or shortness of breath develop after possible exposure.

Philippines keeps an eagle eye on hantavirus, prepares broader response

Over in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said it is monitoring developments linked to a hantavirus outbreak and preparing laboratory and border response measures.

The Dutch ship includes 38 Filipino crew members. The Department of Migrant Workers earlier said all 38 crew members were not infected.

DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo said the country’s PCR machines, previously used during the pandemic, can be adapted for testing by updating primers. He added that three local institutions also have electron microscopes that can help identify the virus while confirmatory testing is underway.

The DOH is coordinating with the Bureau of Quarantine, which is working with international counterparts under the International Health Regulations.

Domingo said Filipino seafarers would undergo screening and be repatriated only after clearance under WHO-guided procedures.

Hantaviruses have also been found in wildlife in the Philippines, including a strain discovered in fruit bats in 2016 and named Quezon virus.

Resource person: Dr Sharmina Kamal Binti Shamsul Kamal, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, SMC

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this second Sunday of May, we also honor the dedication of mothers-to-be who prepare themselves — mind, body, and heart — to give their babies not only the best start in life, but also the care and readiness needed even before conception.

Dr. Sharmina Kamal Binti Shamsul Kamal, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Sunway Medical Centre, said that preparation begins even before a positive pregnancy test.

From conception to the first days of life, early care lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong health.

“Good health ideally starts before pregnancy. Women should undergo a medical checkup before pregnancy to detect diabetes, hypertension or any underlying health conditions. If present, these should be optimized early,” she explains.

With diabetes and hypertension rising among young Malaysians, pre-pregnancy screening is becoming a necessity. Undiagnosed or poorly controlled medical conditions can affect both mother and baby. Dr Sharmina also stresses the importance of reviewing medications to ensure they are safe for pregnancy.

Equally critical is folic acid supplementation. “Folic acid is important even before a positive pregnancy test, because the baby’s neural tube develops very early. Starting folic acid before pregnancy offers the mother and baby the best protection from serious neural tube defects.”

Building strong foundations during pregnancy

Each trimester carries unique milestones. The first trimester is the most delicate, as organs begin forming. The second and third trimesters shift towards growth, maturation, and further bonding, as babies begin responding to voices and movement.”

“Diet is often underestimated. If a mother lacks essential nutrients, the baby may also be affected,” Dr Sharmina notes.

Avoiding smoking and alcohol, limiting caffeine, and prioritising balanced nutrition are essential. In Malaysia, iron, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are frequently seen in expectant mothers.

Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, leaving mothers constantly fatigued and increasing the risk of poor foetal growth. “Meanwhile, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can weaken the bones of the mother during and after pregnancy,” she adds.

However, supplements should only be taken under medical advice. A balanced diet rich in protein, leafy greens, whole grains and dairy or fortified alternatives remains key.

More than routine check-ups

Antenatal visits are sometimes viewed as routine appointments, but they are far more than that.“These appointments help us ensure the pregnancy is progressing well, detect problems early, and ensure that the baby is developing as expected,” Dr Sharmina intoned.

Early scans confirm viability and accurate dating. Most women attend monthly reviews until 28 weeks unless closer monitoring is required. Conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes can often be detected before symptoms worsen.

“At each visit, we monitor the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid to ensure everything remains on track,” she says.

Celebrate festivities in moderation

Festive seasons do not mean missing out, but they do require moderation.“Enjoy celebrations, but prioritize balanced meals, avoid alcohol, ensure food is well cooked, and get adequate rest,” Dr Sharmina advises.

Eight to ten hours of sleep, proper hydration and pacing activities help mothers stay well while participating fully.

Recovery and bonding soon after birth

The first hours after delivery are vital. Dr Sharmina encourages immediate skin-to-skin contact which helps stabilize the baby’s blood sugar, supports breastfeeding and strengthens bonding.

Emotionally, many mothers experience temporary “postpartum blues.” About 60 to 80% of postpartum mothers may feel tearful or emotionally sensitive in the first two weeks. However, persistent sadness, withdrawal or worsening symptoms may signal postpartum depression and should prompt medical attention.

Physical recovery also requires monitoring. Increasing pain, fever, poor wound healing or foul-smelling discharge should be reviewed promptly.

During confinement, nourishment is essential. Adequate protein, iron and fluids support healing and milk production. Restricting water intake can increase dehydration and blood clot risks while reducing breast milk supply.

“Mothers should be encouraged to move gently. Circulation improves with movement, just avoid prolonged immobility,” she adds. Family support is best provided by easing household duties so parents can focus on bonding.

Supporting mothers and babies after birth

Breastfeeding offers powerful protection, but many women struggle due to limited support or misinformation. Early milk supply is naturally small, and frequent feeding is necessary to build production. Education, workplace understanding and family encouragement are key.
As families gather, simple steps such as handwashing and limiting close contact when babies are very young can reduce infection risks while preserving meaningful connection.

“With informed choices, medical care, and family support, mothers can enjoy this time and give their children a healthy start,” Dr Sharmina concludes.

Elena Suvorova and Mrinalini Batra

Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread parasite found in humans and animals, infects nearly one-third of the global population, yet its microscopic size has made it difficult for scientists to study.

Toxoplasma gondii is commonly spread through undercooked meat and contaminated produce. Once inside the human body, it causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that is often mild but can become serious in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. If detected within the first two weeks of exposure, it can be treated.

To better understand how it functions, infectious disease researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine adapted a fluorescent imaging system usually used for human cells to track the parasite’s growth in real time. The method is being used to support future treatment development.

Photo by: USF

Tracking a stealthy cell cycle

The research aimed to go beyond basic observation and support efforts to stop the parasite from multiplying. To do that, the team needed to map its cell cycle in order.

To adapt the fluorescent system for Toxoplasma gondii, researchers first identified proteins that appear at specific growth stages. These proteins also had to be located in visible structures such as the nucleus and needed to produce signals strong enough to detect in a single-celled organism under a microscope.

Because the parasite lacks many proteins common in human cells, the process involved repeated testing. The team applied red and green, fluorescent tags, but many markers either failed to produce strong signals or were too scarce to be useful.

A key protein reveals the cycle

The team eventually identified a protein called PCNA1, located in the parasite’s nucleus. This protein changes position as the organism moves through its growth cycle.

Mrinalini Batra, a research scientist in the Suvorova Lab said that when two copies of a bright neon green tag were attached to this protein, the signal became strong and clear. She explained that this enabled researchers to determine the parasite’s stage by observing how the glowing protein behaved. She added that, for the first time, the full cell cycle of Toxoplasma gondii was mapped.

The findings show that the parasite progresses normally through the first part of its cell cycle, but later stages overlap instead of occurring in sequence.

Developing treatment for an evasive organism

USF Associate Professor Elena Suvorova said that while the parasite can be suppressed during the acute stage, treatment often relies on drugs that may be toxic if used long term. If infection is not treated early, it can become chronic. In this stage, the parasite hides in brain tissue and forms cysts, for which there are currently no cures.

Developing treatments has been difficult because of the parasite’s unusual cycle. A typical cell cycle involves growth, DNA replication and division into two identical cells.

Suvorova said these later stages resemble a fork, while the parasite begins with a single strand and then branches. She explained that up to three stages can occur at the same time. This pattern allows rapid multiplication and helps the parasite avoid the immune system before forming brain cysts.

However, with the cell cycle now mapped through fluorescence imaging, the team is identifying weak points that could disrupt parasite growth. They are also testing how different drugs affect specific stages, with the aim of developing safer and more effective treatments.

The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia region has raised an important healthcare issue that could save lives, calling for sustained efforts to expand vaccine access while warning that millions remain unprotected despite decades of progress in immunization.

It said that over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives worldwide, including about 38 million in the region. Immunization has also contributed to a 22% decline in infant mortality.

Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia said vaccines are among the most effective and affordable health investments, according to the agency, and added that their full impact depends on reaching all populations.

Coverage missing the mark

In 2024, more than 14 million infants globally received no vaccines, while nearly 20 million missed at least one essential dose. These figures point to ongoing challenges in access, particularly among vulnerable and underserved groups.

Boehme said maintaining high immunization coverage is critical, warning that uneven coverage can increase the risk of outbreaks. She cited the measles situation in Bangladesh, where the government, with partner support, is expanding a nationwide measles and rubella campaign targeting 18.03 million children aged six months to five years, including more than 182,000 children in Cox’s Bazar, according to the agency.

Reaching the “Zero-Dose” children

It has been found that about 1.9 million children in the region remain “zero-dose,” meaning they have not received any vaccines. Many live in remote or underserved areas, including informal urban settlements and border regions, and face barriers such as distance, cost, and lack of documentation.

The WHO said reaching these populations requires targeted, data-driven strategies, stronger last-mile delivery systems, and services tailored to community needs.

Boehme said equity remains central to immunization efforts, stressing that reaching underserved populations is a key measure of health system performance.

She also pointed to the importance of trust and community engagement, with health workers serving as the most reliable source of vaccine information and playing a central role in maintaining public confidence.

More diseases covered

The South-East Asia region, home to about a quarter of the global population, has made steady advances through sustained investment. More than 94% of children now receive three doses of DTP-containing vaccine, compared to just 5% during the early years of the Expanded Program on Immunization in the 1970s.

Immunization programs have expanded from covering six diseases to 13 antigens. These efforts have helped eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, maintain polio-free status since 2014, and advance measles and rubella elimination. Countries have also introduced newer vaccines, including inactivated poliovirus, human papillomavirus, pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus vaccines.

The region has become a major global vaccine production hub, supplying nearly half of the world’s vaccines.

Wider immunization sought

As countries face pressures from climate change, urbanization, migration, and financial constraints, immunization remains a foundation of resilient health systems. Vaccines help prevent disease, strengthen emergency preparedness, and reduce antimicrobial resistance by lowering infection rates and the need for antibiotics.

Looking ahead, Boehme called for expanding vaccination across all age groups, including adolescents, adults, and older people, to address shifting health needs.

She said vaccines save lives and added that ensuring universal access is both achievable and necessary for stronger and more resilient societies, according to the WHO.

Hepatitis B and C, responsible for 95% of hepatitis-related deaths, caused 1.34 million deaths in 2024. Transmission remains widespread, with about 4,900 new infections each day, or 1.8 million annually.

Progress since 2015

The 2026 global hepatitis report outlines gains made over the past decade. New hepatitis B infections have dropped by 32%, while hepatitis C-related deaths have declined by 12%.

Among children under five, hepatitis B prevalence fell to 0.6%, with 85 countries meeting or exceeding the 2030 target of 0.1%.

These improvements follow coordinated action after countries adopted hepatitis elimination targets at the 2016 World Health Assembly. Still, the report states that progress is too slow to meet all 2030 goals, with prevention, testing, and treatment efforts needing rapid expansion.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General at WHO said countries are demonstrating that hepatitis elimination is achievable with sustained political commitment and domestic funding, according to the report. He said progress remains uneven, with many people undiagnosed or untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care, and added that scaling up prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is urgent to meet 2030 targets.

Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths. Hepatitis C deaths were more widely distributed, with countries such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the US among those with the highest totals.

Global numbers rising, limited access to care

In 2024, an estimated 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C.

Hepatitis B accounted for 0.9 million new infections, with 68% occurring in Africa. Only 17% of newborns in the region received the birth-dose vaccine.

Another 0.9 million people were newly infected with hepatitis C. People who inject drugs made up 44% of these cases, pointing to gaps in harm reduction and safe injection services.

Treatment coverage remains limited. Fewer than 5% of the 240 million people with chronic hepatitis B received treatment in 2024. For hepatitis C, only 20% of patients have been treated since 2015, despite the availability of a 12-week therapy with a cure rate of about 95%.

Limited access to care contributed to 1.1 million deaths from hepatitis B and 240,000 from hepatitis C in 2024. Most deaths were caused by liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, with many hepatitis B-related deaths occurring in Africa and the Western Pacific.

Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths. Hepatitis C deaths were more widely distributed, with countries such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the US among those with the highest totals.

Solutions for expanded treatments

Countries such as Egypt, Georgia, Rwanda, and the UK show that eliminating hepatitis is possible with sustained investment.

Existing tools include vaccines that protect more than 95% of people against hepatitis B, long-term antiviral treatment to manage chronic infection, and short-course therapies that can cure over 95% of hepatitis C cases.

Tereza Kasaeva said the data shows both progress and gaps, according to the report. She said missed diagnoses and untreated infections lead to preventable deaths and stressed the need to integrate hepatitis services into primary care and reach affected communities.

The WHO report calls for expanded treatment for hepatitis B, especially in Africa and the Western Pacific, and wider access to hepatitis C care in the Eastern Mediterranean. It also urges stronger political commitment, improved vaccination coverage at birth, expanded measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and safer injection practices, particularly for people who inject drugs.

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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