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.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the approach is crucial as public health challenges are now global in nature, and no country is truly safe without continuous precautionary measures.

“We do not want to be an alarmist, but at the same time, we do not want the people to be complacent by saying that this is happening elsewhere (abroad),” he told reporters after attending the closing ceremony of the National Tobacco Control Conference and Lung Health Summit 2026 here today.

He said the Health Ministry’s Institute for Medical Research (IMR) has the capacity to diagnose hantavirus using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, which is the gold standard for disease detection.

In addition, border control measures at all international entry points have been tightened through health screenings and heightened preparedness at airports, seaports and major gateways by the International Entry Point Health Office.

As part of ongoing preventive measures, Dzulkefly said to date, a total of 22,367 ships and boats have been inspected at Malaysia’s entry points, with 2,421 pratique certificates and 1,146 Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSC) issued.
“These measures are ongoing to ensure that vessels entering the country comply with public health requirements and sanitation,” he said.

A pratique certificate is an official health clearance issued by port authorities that allows a vessel to enter port, disembark passengers, and operate after being confirmed free of infectious diseases on board.

Previously, Dzulkefly said hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus that can infect humans through air contaminated with animal droppings, urine or saliva.

He said the virus should not be taken lightly, as its complications can be fatal, with the mortality rate for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) reaching 30 to 40 per cent.

International media had earlier reported that European countries have stepped up monitoring and isolation measures following a hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius.

Source — Bernama

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.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said this is in response to global challenges in sourcing raw materials, dealing with the energy crisis, and overcoming the increasing surge in logistics costs worldwide following the tensions in West Asia.

He said the task force is implementing real-time data monitoring in addition to diversifying sources of drug procurement from the international market, Bernama reported.

This will ensure the country’s supply remains stable.

“At the same time, we always ensure that the frontline stock buffer for medicines categorised as critical remains strong and can last more than 60 days to protect our patients,” he said in a Facebook post.

Dzulkefly said an early warning mechanism has been activated for suppliers to report any potential shortage of supplies at least six months in advance.

“For the supply of medical devices, the Medical Devices Authority has entered into a strategic agreement with authorities in China to stabilise the supply of critical manufacturing raw materials such as resin and naphtha.

“This will enable our local manufacturers to operate without interruption.

“A special access pathway has also been provided to expedite the entry of urgent medical equipment to ensure smooth operations in operating theatres and hospitals,” he said.

Dzulkefly said a whole-of-government approach will be taken to ensure patients are not affected by any future global shocks.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said only 41 per cent of the total 2,271 posts have been filled so far, involving 929 staff.

He said the hospital is currently operating with its existing manpower, with priority given to recruitment efforts to enable all wards to be fully opened.

“At present, HPG is operating 14 clinical services, including the emergency department, general surgery, paediatrics and orthopaedics. The hospital has 304 beds, but only 157 beds in nine out of 14 wards are currently operational (due to manpower shortages).

“Hence, we are targeting full operation of all beds by September this year once the staffing exercise is completed,” he told a press conference on the sidelines of the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting at the Sultan Ismail Building, Kota Iskandar, here today.

He said the state government, together with the Health Ministry (MOH), is strengthening efforts to deploy healthcare personnel, including medical officers, medical assistants and nurses, in phases.

The operational issue at HPG has also drawn the attention of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who decreed at the opening of the state assembly sitting on Thursday that the hospital’s operationalisation process be expedited for the benefit of the people in the state.

Ling also expressed his highest appreciation to His Royal Highness for his concern in raising the matter, which has in turn driven the state government’s efforts to further strengthen Johor’s healthcare delivery system.

Source: Bernama

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.

Rauf said an additional health facility was urgently needed to serve Melaka’s growing population and rising number of emergency cases, Berita Harian reported.

He said the state’s main public hospital, Melaka Hospital, is 90 years old.

He said he would discuss the matter at the next state executive council meeting before filing a formal application with the health ministry.

Rauf said the new hospital should have modern facilities and be situated in a “suitable” location.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the nation must confront the reality of an increasingly complex cancer burden, stressing that healthcare professionals, particularly oncologists, are central to sustaining an effective national response.

“We must be candid about the landscape we are facing. Cancer remains the third highest cause of death in Malaysia, with approximately 40,000 new cases reported each year.

“To meet this challenge, our workforce is our greatest asset,” he said when officiating the ‘Women in Oncology Forum: Giving Value, Gaining Impact’, here yesterday.

Organised by Roche Malaysia, the inaugural forum brought together women oncologists nationwide to exchange perspectives on mentorship, leadership and professional development in cancer care.

Malaysia currently has about 84 oncologists nationwide, a 60 per cent increase since 2019, but the number remains insufficient to meet the rising and increasingly complex care demands.

Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry remains committed to a “whole-of-society” approach, acknowledging that government efforts alone are not enough to address such multifaceted healthcare challenges.

He pointed to the “Cancer Care Closer to Community” initiative, a collaboration with Roche Malaysia, as a key example of efforts to decentralise cancer care and improve access to treatment, particularly in underserved areas.

Beyond capacity challenges, Dzulkefly touched on the human dimensions of oncology, describing it as a demanding field that requires resilience, coordination and continuous learning.

He also highlighted the added pressures faced by women oncologists, who often balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments while continuing to deliver high-quality care.

“For many women in this field, these professional demands are often compounded by responsibilities beyond the workplace. Yet, you continue to show up with resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to your patients,” he said.

Also present were Roche Malaysia general manager Deepti Saraf and the Ministry of Health’s Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support), Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah.