Vitamin A deficiency is a major global health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where it affects about one-third of preschool-aged children. Conventional efforts to add the vitamin to staple foods like bread and bouillon cubes have struggled due to the nutrient’s instability.

The MIT team used a polymer called BMC, already approved for use in coatings for drugs and supplements, to create vitamin A microparticles. These particles were found to withstand heat, light, and humidity far better than existing fortification methods. In a clinical trial, participants who ate bread fortified with encapsulated vitamin A absorbed the nutrient at levels comparable to taking it directly, demonstrating its effectiveness.

Two companies have licensed the technology to integrate it into food products. Particles for Humanity, backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is working on applications in Africa, while VitaKey aims to expand its use across various food and beverage products.

This advancement offers a promising solution for improving vitamin A intake in vulnerable populations without altering their diets or routines.

The report explores femtech adoption, awareness, and attitudes across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. It covers a wide range of topics, including femtech awareness, user spending habits, future intentions of non-users, women’s health education, openness in discussing health issues, media and religious influences, maternal and reproductive health, and hormonal health (e.g., menopause). This is the first report to quantify consumer value for femtech in each market.

Related: Transforming Healthcare Norms for Women; Novartis Malaysia Takes the Lead in Empowering Women

Key findings reveal that women in Southeast Asia are primarily educated about menstrual health, puberty, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while growing up. However, 52% of women feel discussing health issues publicly is culturally unacceptable due to concerns about judgment and shame.

As femtech emerges as a crucial healthcare sector, this report is a vital resource for stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players aiming to understand and address consumer perspectives in Southeast Asia.

Key findings in the report include the state of women’s health education and the impact of societal factors like media and religion; maternal and reproductive health issues and the role of technology in addressing them; hormonal health concerns, particularly menopause, and the demand for innovative solutions; awareness and familiarity with femtech solutions across different demographics; and more.

Juda Kanaprach, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Milieu Insight, remarked that the report underscores the present status of femtech adoption and establishes a foundation for future progress in enhancing women’s health outcomes throughout the region. This aligns with the company’s goal to prioritize a localized business strategy, honor cultural sensitivities, and cultivate strategic partnerships.

Lindsay Davis, the founder of FemTech Association Asia, stated that the report’s findings will guide their advisory and advocacy work, and will encourage innovation and investment in femtech solutions designed for the specific needs of this region.

The report’s findings will be presented at FemTech Connect Asia, a pioneering roundtable event where women’s health and innovation converge in Asia, on the 20th and 21st June 2024 in Singapore. (Press Release)

Photo by K.Mitch Hodge/Unsplash

Challenges that come with age

Developing Asia and the Pacific are facing significant challenges in securing the well-being of its rapidly aging population. A recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), “Aging Well in Asia,” highlights the pressing need for comprehensive policy reforms to address issues such as low pension coverage, health problems, social isolation, and limited access to essential services for older people in the region. Manila-headquartered ADB, established in 1966, is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Older Asians face challenges such as lifestyle diseases, lack of decent jobs, limited access to essential services, low pension coverage, and growing isolation and loneliness.
—Aging Well in Asia report 

According to the report, the number of people aged 60 and older in developing Asia and the Pacific is projected to nearly double by 2050, reaching 1.2 billion—approximately a quarter of the total population.

Developing Asia consists of 46 members of the ADB, categorized into five geographic groups. Caucasus and Central Asia includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. East Asia comprises Hong Kong, China; Mongolia; the People’s Republic of China; the Republic of Korea; and Taipei, China. South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Southeast Asia consists of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam. The Pacific includes the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
— Asian Development Outlook 2024

This demographic shift increases the demand for pension and welfare programs, as well as healthcare services. However, it also presents an opportunity for economies to benefit from a “silver dividend,” which could boost the region’s GDP by 0.9% on average through increased productivity from older individuals.

Related: Aging faster? It must be your housing condition

Albert Park, ADB Chief Economist, emphasized the importance of preparing now to support the aging population. Policies should focus on lifetime investment in health, education, skills, and financial preparedness for retirement, as well as fostering strong family and social ties to maximize older people’s contributions to society.

Elderly labor insecurity; female elders particularly disadvantaged

The report reveals that 40% of people over age 60 in the region lack access to any form of pension, with women being particularly disadvantaged due to their higher likelihood of engaging in unpaid domestic work. Consequently, many older individuals are compelled to work beyond retirement age, often in the informal sector, which lacks basic labor protections and pension benefits.

By 2030, one in six people globally will be aged 60 or older, with this age group increasing from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion. By 2050, the population of people aged 60 and over will double to 2.1 billion, and those aged 80 and over will triple to 426 million.
— WHO

Health issues becoming common

Health issues are also prevalent, with 60% of older people not receiving regular health checks and 31% experiencing depressive symptoms due to illness, social isolation, and economic insecurity. Older women are disproportionately affected by health problems such as depression, diabetes, and hypertension.

Related: Managing high blood pressure with renal nerve denervation

To address these challenges, the report recommends various policy measures, including government-assisted health insurance and pension plans, improved health infrastructure, and free annual health check-ups. Universal healthcare coverage and basic labor protections for older informal workers are essential.

Additionally, making retirement ages more flexible, promoting lifelong learning and skills development, and providing suitable work opportunities can help older people remain productive and healthy.

By 2050, 80% of the elderly population will reside in low- and middle-income countries.
—WHO

In conclusion, comprehensive reforms are crucial for supporting the welfare of the rapidly aging population in Asia and the Pacific, ensuring they can age well and continue to contribute to society.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient and holistic approach to healthcare that has been practiced for centuries. For those who are new to TCM, it can be an enigmatic realm, often accompanied by misconceptions and uncertainty. To demystify TCM and help you understand what this traditional practice entails, Dr. Ong Siew Siew, a respected clinician and Senior Chinese Medicine practitioner, shares valuable insights and essential information for newcomers.

As Malaysia undergoes a transition towards statutory regulation of TCM, it is evident that the industry is moving towards greater professionalism and enhanced patient safety. TCM offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, emphasizing individualized care and the restoration of balance within the body. If you are new to TCM, these essential points should guide you in exploring this ancient tradition, allowing you to make informed decisions and experience the benefits it has to offer.

1. Understand TCM’s unique approach

One of the fundamental distinctions between TCM and Western medicine is the approach to healing. TCM is founded on the principles of balance, considering an individual’s unique body constitution and the equilibrium of opposing element, according to Dr Ong. Achieving harmony among these elements is essential for good health. TCM practitioners focus on restoring this balance, which can be influenced by factors like diet, stress, chronic illnesses, and more. TCM can address a wide range of health issues, including chronic pain, immune system support, improved sleep quality, and more. What makes TCM truly unique is that treatments are tailored to the individual. Two patients with similar ailments may receive different therapies because their imbalances are distinct. This personalized approach may require treatment modifications over time, emphasizing the importance of continuity with the same practitioner. This differs significantly from Western medicine, which often targets specific diseases or affected body parts. It is important to note that TCM and conventional medicine can complement each other when patients are well-informed. Coordinating the timing of oral medications and TCM treatments can minimize the risk of interactions.

2. TCM is grounded in scientific principles, not mysticism

According to Dr Ong, there is a common misconception that TCM has mystical or religious undertones. In reality, TCM is grounded in scientific and non-spiritual principles. When you visit a TCM practitioner for the first time, the experience is similar to any other medical appointment. The practitioner will collect your medical history, perform diagnostic techniques, and assess your body’s constitution. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of your health, you can bring along relevant medical records, test results, and information about your daily routines. A TCM practitioner utilizes diagnostic principles to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include four primary treatment methods: acupuncture, cupping therapy, moxibustion (burning of moxa herb or mugwort), and herbal prescriptions. These methods are aimed at addressing imbalances within the body.

3. In the TCM practice, patience is key

It’s important to understand that TCM treatments may take time to yield results, according to TCM. The duration of treatment varies depending on the specific condition or ailment. While simple ailments may require just one or two sessions, chronic conditions may necessitate ongoing care. Furthermore, each individual has a unique constitution, lifestyle, and habits, which can impact the treatment’s progress. Thus, it’s not uncommon for a practitioner to recommend multiple sessions. Dr. Ong emphasizes that both TCM and Western medicine have their strengths and principles. It’s essential to exercise proper judgment when seeking care, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident with the treatment you receive.

4. Seek a registered TCM practitioner

The first crucial step for anyone interested in TCM is to ensure they consult a registered TCM practitioner, Dr Ong emphasized. TCM is a recognized and legitimate practice in Malaysia, regulated by the Ministry of Health under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 2016. Starting from March 2024, all licensed TCM practitioners will be required to be registered with the T&CM Council and hold an Annual Practicing Certificate (APC). This measure ensures that you can verify the authenticity of a registered TCM practitioner, offering you peace of mind and quality care.

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Culprits of pollution: haze season poses risk

Air pollution remains a global crisis, posing severe threats to human health and the environment. In Thailand, the issue of air pollution has reached a critical juncture, with urban areas facing alarmingly high pollution levels.

The detrimental consequences of air pollution are particularly pronounced in the northern region of Thailand, where a range of factors converges to create a chronic problem, according to a study published in Nature journal by authors Titaporn Supasri (Chiang Mai University), Shabbir H. Gheewala ( King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi/ Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation), Ronald Macatangay (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand/ University of the Philippines Diliman), Anurak Chakpor) National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand) and Surat Sedpho ( University of Phayao).

Related: Southeast Asia’s air pollution crisis continues to endanger lives

In Thailand, sources of air pollution are multifaceted. They include power plants, industrial activities, vehicular emissions, forest fires, and agricultural burning. The latter, undertaken annually during the dry season, further exacerbates air quality issues. Climate and vegetation type contribute to the elevated risk of wildfires in the region. As reported by the Pollution Control Department of Thailand in 2020, concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the Mae Sai District of Chiang Rai exceeded recommended guidelines during the haze season, posing a severe threat to public health.

Pollution’s health implications

Exposure to ambient air pollution in northern Thailand has been associated with a range of health issues. In 2020, the Health Data Center of the Ministry of Public Health recorded approximately 589,000 hospital admissions for diseases linked to air pollution. Respiratory diseases were the most prevalent, followed by skin and eye inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. These statistics underscore the pressing need for action to mitigate air pollution in the region.

To comprehensively understand the health impact of air pollution, a modeling framework has been developed. This framework encompasses emissions, atmospheric chemistry, human inhalation, increased mortality, and overall health damage. Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) are employed to measure the years of life lost due to health problems associated with PM2.5 and PM10 exposure.

Region-specific data sought

Despite the wealth of studies on the health effects of air pollution, the specific health implications in Thailand, particularly in its northern regions, remain inadequately explored. Most data are aggregated at the national level, offering limited insights into the local context. Therefore, more precise and region-specific data on air pollution’s health effects are essential for crafting effective strategies to combat air pollution and mitigate climate change.

Recognizing the need for precise data, this study employs the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. The aim is to investigate the health impacts of PM2.5 and PM10 in northern Thailand, utilizing data from the Pollution Control Department. The goal is to quantify the burden of disease due to PM2.5 and PM10-related mortality and morbidity, as measured in DALYs.

It’s vital to acknowledge that a significant portion of the population spends a considerable amount of time in indoor environments, such as homes and workplaces. Indoor pollution sources, like cooking fumes, can also have health impacts. However, this study focuses exclusively on outdoor air pollution. While indoor pollution sources are not within the scope of this research, they remain an essential area of concern.

A data-driven approach and research to expound on health impact

The study reveals that the annual average number of years of life lived with disability due to ambient PM2.5 in northern Thailand is approximately 41,372 years, while for PM10, it is about 59,064 years. The findings highlight the pressing need for more accurate data and research to inform strategies that effectively address air pollution and climate change in Thailand. That said, it is evident that the battle against air pollution in northern Thailand not only requires region-specific data, but necessitates a comprehensive approach to understanding its health implications. This research paves the way for informed decision-making, the development of effective policies, and the urgent need to mitigate air pollution while confronting the challenge of climate change. Further research is essential to provide more precise results and a brighter, healthier future for the people of northern Thailand.

Source: Nature

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The Holy See will donate 100,000 surgical face masks provided by Taiwan – which arrived in the city-state along with two infrared thermal imaging cameras – to certain African countries to help them combat the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Taiwan’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Matthew Lee.

The donation of about 200,000 masks by Taiwan was accepted by Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and Binish Thomas Mulackal, Director of the Vatican Pharmacy – Mulackal asked the Taiwan Embassy to the Holy See whether Taiwan would agree to divert some of the donated masks to Africa.

“Taiwan is glad to collaborate with the Holy See in providing assistance to countries that need help the most,” Lee stressed.

Lee added that apart from the masks, Taiwan is looking to make other contributions to help contain the global spread of the coronavirus.Taiwan has already provided around 480,000 face masks and other relief goods such as rice cookers and canned food to the Vatican in April alone.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Turkson, from Ghana, has been in touch with the embassy to discuss ways to help Africa with the pandemic after he was appointed by Pope Francis to head the Vatican’s COVID-19 Commission in March. Cardinal Turkson said the 100,000 masks will be delivered to Africa through Catholic charities such as Caritas.

A high level of childhood family environment adversity has been shown to increase a person’s risk of having heart disease in their 50s and 60s. Children who experience trauma, abuse, neglect and family dysfunction are also likely to report higher rates of stress, smoking, anxiety, depression and sedentary lifestyle – which persist well into adulthood. These habits, according to Northwestern University (NU) researchers in Illinois, US, can lead to increased body mass index (BMI), diabetes, increased blood pressure, vascular dysfunction and inflammation.

“This population of adults is much more likely to partake in risky behaviours, including using food as a coping mechanism, which can lead to problems with weight and obesity,” said Jacob Pierce, a fourth-year medical student at NU Feinberg School of Medicine. “They also have higher rates of smoking, which has a direct link to cardiovascular disease.”

The study used the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) data which has followed more than 3,600 participants from recruitment in 1985-1986 through 2018, to determine how childhood psychosocial environment relates to cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality in older middle age.

Participants were asked questions such as, “How often did a parent make you feel that you were loved, supported, and cared for?”; “How often did a parent swear at you, insult you, put you down or act in a way that made you feel threatened?”; or “Did your family know what you were up to as a kid?” The findings indicated parents’ involvement in their children’s lives could significantly affect their health later in life.

Joseph Feinglass, Research professor of medicine and of preventive medicine at Feinberg, said, “Early childhood experiences have a lasting effect on adult mental and physical well-being – a large number of American kids continue to suffer abuse and dysfunction that will leave a toll of health and social functioning issues throughout their lives.”

Adults who were exposed to such adversity as children may benefit from counselling, but more research is needed on the link between coping with stress and controlling smoking and obesity, Pierce said.