16/08/2025

SATURDAY | AUG 16, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

Guide on vaccine use for older adults launched o Document aimed at protecting seniors from serious infectious diseases Ű BY SIVAA TANGAI RAJU newsdesk@thesundaily.com

MALACCA: In a move to ensure the long-term well-being of Malaysia’s ageing population, the Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine (MSGM) has launched a booklet titled “National Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Recommendation for Older Adults 2025”. The event took place during the Malaysian Congress of Geriatric Medicine, held from August 7 to 9, at a hotel in Malacca. The recommendations in the document are the result of a collaboration involving clinicians, with reference to current best practices and global guidance. They underscore the nation’s commitment to protect citizens aged 60 and above from serious infectious diseases. According to Dr Kejal Hasmukharay, the initiative’s Writing Group chairperson, older adults are up to 13 times more likely to suffer complications from infectious diseases, yet vaccination

advocates alike.” Kejal, a geriatrician from Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, told theSun that sufficient scientific evidence and safety profiles had been taken into consideration before deciding to implement it. She added that MSGM is committed to working hand in hand with professional societies, civil society organisations and government stakeholders to raise awareness, strengthen public trust and promote the uptake of vaccines among older adults “We don’t stop watering a tree once it’s grown. So why stop protecting our health as we age?” she said. “By embracing life-course immunisation, we can better protect the health, independence and quality of life of Malaysia’s senior citizens.”

remains underutilised. She explained that the initiative is to address increasing VPD burden, including pneumococcal pneumonia, influenza, shingles, and respiratory syncytial virus among senior citizens. “Malaysia, like many nations, is experiencing a demographic transition towards an ageing society,” she said. “With this shift comes the responsibility to reimagine healthcare systems to ensure that our older citizens not only live longer lives but also enjoy them in good health. “These recommendations are grounded in robust scientific evidence, adapted to our national context, and guided by a life-course immunisation approach as they aim to serve as a practical and forward looking framework for clinicians, healthcare planners and community

Book on Malaysian luminary’s life of service Vaithilingam (2nd right) is felicitated by Sahadevan during the launch. With them are (from left) Ong, Mani, Kathirasen, Subramaniam and Vaithilingam’s brother A. Kanesalingam.

Ű BY DHARSHINI GANESON newsdesk@thesundaily.com

A book review was presented by former deputy minister Dr Ong Kian Ming. Subramaniam said: “We need highly respectable, outspoken personalities who, with a calm and emotionally balanced demeanour, can ensure tricky issues are managed in an amicable manner so as not to endanger our fragile multi-racial and multi-religious fabric.” He praised Vaithi for his efforts in bringing balance and harmony to racial issues in the country. The book spans 32 chapters, covering Vaithi’s formative years in Singapore to his leadership roles in the MHS and MCCBCHST, and also his contributions to the country’s golden age of athletics under former minister Tun Ghazali Shafie. Apart from excelling as a teacher, being a recipient of Tokoh Guru Selangor Award in 1989, Vaithi was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame in 2012 for his service in the growth of athletics. Mani said:“Datuk Vaithi stands out as a mentor on the sports field, where he provided guidance to many of us, with his words of wisdom and his patience. “He was a person to turn to for advice on any matters. “The book describes the details of his wonderful journey and will certainly be an inspiration for all upcoming achievers,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Friends and well wishers turned up in droves at the launch of a book chronicling the altruistic life of Datuk A. Vaithilingam, 92, at the Royal Lake Club here recently. The book, ‘Vaithi – A Life of Service’ by veteran newsman A. Kathirasen, recounts the experiences of the former president of Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) over five decades. Vaithi, as he is fondly known to friends, till today stands as an icon for the community. He especially helped in the development of Hindu youths through values and exemplary leadership while setting a benchmark through his actions. Vaithi’s role in the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), where he worked with authorities in resolving many sensitive religious issues amicably, earned him the respect of the government and community. The launch was officiated by Datuk B. Sahadevan, managing director of the National Land Finance Co-operative. Also present were former minister and ex-president of MIC Tan Sri Dr S. Subramaniam, and sports legend Tan Sri Dr Mani Jegathesan.

Public health milestone… Kejal (left) looks on as MSGM president Dr Alan Ch’ng (right) receives a copy of the booklet from Prof Dr Philip Poi Jun Hua, a veteran professor of geriatrics in Malaysia and a pioneer of MSGM. With them are Assoc Prof Dr Hakimah Sallehuddin (2nd left) and Dr Wan Mazlina Wan Mustapa. Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com Talk on misunderstood disease lupus in Keningau

quantities of blood proteins called antibodies that react against the person’s own tissues. About 90% of SLE sufferers are women while about 10% are men and children. Of the affected women, 90% are in their childbearing years within the age range of 15 and 50 years. In Malaysia, it is estimated that more than 10,000 people have been diagnosed with SLE over the past 30 years, states the PSLEM’s website. However, this number may be only the tip of the iceberg. The association believes there are many more SLE sufferers in Malaysia who have not been diagnosed. A lupus patient, Esther, shared her personal journey, highlighting both the physical and emotional challenges of living with SLE. Her message of resilience and hope encouraged fellow patients to adhere to treatment and seek community support. Under the theme “Stronger

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Chapter of the Malaysian SLE Association (PSLEM) recently held its Lupus Awareness Programme 2025 in Keningau town, about 70km from here. The event was aimed at dispelling myths and educating the public on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease which is often misunderstood. Dr Izdihar Marwani Dahlan, a senior medical officer from Hospital Queen Elizabeth 1, delivered an informative talk on SLE symptoms, treatments and the importance of early diagnosis. Attendees engaged with thoughtful questions. According to PSLEM, the disease can attack any organ, such as kidneys, lungs, brain and joints, and can be fatal. An SLE patient’s body makes large

Izdihar (seated 4th right) and Sinn (centre) with PSLEM committee members and participants of the awareness talk.

Together: Raising Lupus Awareness,“ the event underscored Sabah PSLEM’s commitment to advocacy. Geoffrey Sinn, president of the Sabah chapter, stressed the role of

collective effort. “While there’s no cure, early diagnosis, proper treatment and sustained support can significantly improve patients’ lives,” he said. “This

campaign is about standing with our ‘lupus warriors’ – those battling this disease with courage.” The Sabah chapter serves 860 members, who include 760 patients.