26/05/2025

MONDAY | MAY 26, 2025

HEALTH 26

Zero dengue deaths possible with collective action D ENGUE remains a public health priority in Malaysia. Among all communicable diseases, the incidence rate o Group launches campaign with eye on 2030 target Four simple steps: What every Malaysian can do 1. Destroy breeding grounds of mosquitoes 2. Prevent mosquito bites 3. Get vaccinated 4. Seek early treatment when experiencing symptoms

W.H.O. GIVES WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

AWARD TO M’SIANS Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Health Ministry deputy director of the disease control division Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control chairman associate professor Dr Murallitharan Munisamy were awarded the World No Tobacco Day award by World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the WHO World Health Assembly. This is the first time the award has been presented to recipients from Malaysia. The annual global award, given in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day on May 31, acknowledges contributions to tobacco control by individuals, organisations and government departments worldwide. MANULIFE MEDICAL PLAN COVERS FOLLOW-UP CARE Manulife Insurance Bhd last week launched Manulife Health Saver Enrich (MHSE), a new medical plan that covers post-treatment follow-up care, including cancer screening after recovery. The coverage is comprehensive: from prevention to treatment, recuperation through to recovery. While affordability and accessibility are at its core, the plan goes further by offering even greater value through a dual-discount structure. It features a No Claims Discount of up to 40% on the medical cost of insurance and continuously tiered lower if claims are made during the insured period. There are also flexible options and dynamic pricing according to the level of coverage needed. MHSE offers a family discount of up to 10%, making it an ideal choice for Malaysian households seeking comprehensive coverage without financial strain. COUNTRY’S FIRST NFT-BASED MEMBERSHIP CARD GHHS Healthcare has launched its membership card in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT). This initiative integrates Web3 technology with healthcare, offering members a secure, verifiable and immutable digital membership experience. Each NFT card is uniquely encrypted on the blockchain, ensuring authenticity, transparency and easy verification. The NFT membership card not only offers traditional GHHS benefits such as access to premium wellness services, health screening packages and exclusive member privileges, but also introduces a new layer of digital utility. Members can store and manage their card within a crypto wallet, track engagement history and in future iterations, potentially benefit from tokenised loyalty rewards, resale value or access to events and services.

BR I E F S

robotic-assisted surgery, better implant materials, minimally invasive techniques and personalised 3D surgical planning have all improved patient outcomes. These innovations mean safer surgeries, shorter recovery times and better implant longevity. What is the most common myth about bone and joint health? That joint pain is an unavoidable part of ageing and nothing can be done. In reality, early intervention, proper diagnosis and modern treatments – may it be surgical or non-surgical modalities – can relieve pain and restore function at almost any age. Is a fracture the same as a sprain? No. A fracture is a break in a bone, while a sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament (the connective tissue around joints). Both can cause swelling and pain but require different treatments altogether. Proper diagnosis is important to avoid long-term complications. How long do artificial joints last? Modern joint implants typically last 15–20 years, and sometimes even longer with appropriate care. Longevity depends on several factors, including your age, activity level, weight and how well you follow post-op care guidelines. Many patients enjoy long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility with artificial joints. “Despite the best medical efforts, severe dengue can be fatal. Prevention is always better than cure. “Many people believe once you have had dengue, you are safe. That is wrong. The reality is that there are multiple dengue virus serotypes, and reinfection can lead to a higher risk of severe dengue.” Another common belief is that young and healthy individuals are not at risk. He pointed out: “On the contrary, nearly 45% of dengue deaths in 2023 occurred among adults aged 20 to 49 years.” Vaccination: Shield against severe dengue Dengue vaccine position paper chairman professor Dr Zamberi Sekawi stressed that vaccination is a vital tool in the fight against severe dengue. He highlighted that TAK-003, a dengue vaccine available in private clinics and hospitals in Malaysia, has demonstrated over 80% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic dengue infection and over 95% effectiveness against dengue hospitalisation within the first year after vaccination.

of dengue fever was reported to be third highest after Covid-19 and hand, foot and mouth disease in 2023. Last year, the Health Ministry reported 122,323 cases and 117 deaths, marking a 0.57% decrease in cases and a 17% increase in deaths compared to 2023. This has resulted in a slight increase in the case-fatality rate last year, underscoring the need to sustain and strengthen dengue prevention and management efforts. Over the years, the Health Ministry implemented various approaches to tackle dengue, combining technology, community engagement and enforcement measures. The iDengue Portal, introduced in 2012, has been instrumental in providing the public with vital information, including daily case updates, hotspot locations and updates on mosquito control operations. In high-risk districts, pest control operators carry out larviciding and space spraying to reduce mosquito populations. An innovative approach to vector control has been the release of Wolbachia-infected Aedes When is the right time to have surgery? If your joint pain affects daily life functions such as walking, climbing stairs, working or enjoying hobbies, and non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medications or injections no longer help, it might be time to consider surgery. The decision is not based on age, but on quality of life. Surgery is often the next step when pain disrupts sleep, independence or emotional well-being. Can robotic surgery really make joint replacements more precise? Yes, robotic-assisted surgery allows for highly customised planning and execution. It uses real-time 3D imaging and smart sensors to guide your surgeon with millimetre precision. This helps ensure better implant alignment, minimises soft tissue damage and can result in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. How do I know if my joint pain is “normal” or something more serious such as osteoarthritis? Occasional joint aches after intense activity can be normal. But if pain becomes frequent, causes stiffness (especially in the morning) or gradually worsens over weeks or months, it could be a sign of osteoarthritis or another degenerative joint condition. Early diagnosis helps avoid long-term damage. Who can benefit from robotic-assisted knee or hip replacement? Anyone needing joint replacement,

(From left) End Dengue Deaths campaign co-chairman Dr Selva Kumar Sivapunniam, Zulkifli, Deputy Health Director-General (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari and campaign chairman Dr Koh Kar Chai at the launch event.

various stakeholders in assisting the Health Ministry to achieve national and global dengue targets through the strengthening of dengue prevention, management and control in Malaysia,” Zulkifli said. He also explained that DPAM advocates for a 360° approach to tackling dengue, covering epidemiology, integrated vector management, environment, patient care, laboratory and vaccines. Safe from dengue? Think again Drawing from his frontline Sim, representing Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, said that the disease can affect anyone and that managing severe cases remains challenging. experience, consultant infectious disease Dr Benedict

mosquitoes. This method has significantly reduced dengue cases in 10 localities by 50-80%. Initiative to help end dengue deaths At the launch of the End Dengue Deaths campaign last Thursday, Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM) and Immunise4Life chairman professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail emphasised that active participation from other stakeholders, including civil society and corporate entities, are essential. “Every death from dengue is a preventable tragedy. With collective effort, we can achieve zero preventable dengue deaths by 2030, in line with the global target set by the World Health Organisation. DPAM aims to synergise efforts by

FAQ on orthopaedics, benefits of robotic surgery whether due to osteoarthritis or injury, may benefit from robotic joint replacement surgery. Robotic approach is especially helpful for patients with unique bone structures, previous trauma or complex alignment issues, as the technology personalises the surgery to your specific anatomy. Is robotic surgery done entirely by a robot? How long does it take to recover from a robotic-assisted joint replacement? Most patients start walking within 24 hours of post-surgery. Significant improvements are usually seen by six to 12 weeks, with continued strengthening over the next few months. Compared to traditional techniques, robotic surgery often allows for quicker rehabilitation due to improved surgical precision and reduced tissue trauma.

Not at all. The robot itself does not perform the surgery independently and the surgeon is in complete control at every step. The robotic system acts as a precision tool, enhancing the surgeon’s ability to plan and perform surgery with added accuracy and consistency. Can orthopaedic issues be prevented or are they just inevitable with age? While ageing increases the risk of joint wear and tears, many orthopaedic problems can be prevented or delayed. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and practicing good posture can support bone and joint health across all ages. Is it true that women are more prone to certain orthopaedic issues than men? Yes. Women are at higher risk for conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. This is due to hormonal changes especially after menopause, differences in bone density and joint anatomy. Awareness and early screening are key to prevention of these conditions.

Why do so many people delay orthopaedic surgery and what happens when they do? People often delay surgery due to fear or hoping the problem resolves on its own. Unfortunately, this can lead to worsening joint damage, muscle weakness and reduced mobility, which may make the surgery and recovery more difficult later. Early intervention often leads to better long-term results. Is knee popping a sign of joint damage? Not always. Painless knee popping or cracking (called crepitus) is common and often harmless. But if the popping is accompanied by pain, swelling, instability or a catching sensation, it could be a sign of cartilage or joint issue that should be evaluated. How has technology changed orthopaedic surgery in the last 10 years? The past decade has seen major advancements in orthopaedic field:

This article is contributed by Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.