Author: Gerald Ng

Read about the case of a sperm donor in the Netherlands who fathered more than 500 children, sparking a debate on the laws and regulations governing sperm donation worldwide. Discover the impact in Asia, including laws and stats on sperm donation from countries in Asia, and the debate on anonymity and destroying stored samples.

Learn about the health risks of consuming betel nut in Asia. This article discusses the harmful effects of betel nut, a popular stimulant in Asia, and how it can lead to various health problems such as oral cancer, heart disease, and addiction. Find out more about the countries where it is commonly consumed and the ingredients that make it dangerous.

Read about the latest study published in Health Affairs revealing that despite the rise in popularity of telehealth during the pandemic, physicians and patients still prefer in-person care. Find out why and the quality concerns surrounding telehealth, as well as the future of telemedicine in primary care.

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nasopharyngeal cancer is most common in Southern China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In these regions, the incidence rate is around 25 to 50 cases per 100,000 people per year.

This medical news article reports on two incidents where a clinic in Hong Kong administered expired COVID-19 vaccines to patients. The Department of Health has launched an investigation, suspended the clinic’s vaccination service, and provided advice to improve vaccine management procedures. No discomfort has been reported by affected individuals, and no re-vaccination is needed, according to local experts.

This article discusses the under-diagnosed danger of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Learn about its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in managing the condition.

Children in Thailand are at high risk from climate change, according to a recent UNICEF report. Floods, droughts, and high temperatures threaten their health, development, and well-being, as they are more vulnerable to climate disasters than adults. The report recommends child-sensitive climate policies and promoting awareness among children to protect themselves from climate hazards.

Read about the health risks and economic impact of extreme heat in the Philippines, including heat-related illnesses. Learn about the signs of heat stroke.

This article explores the impact of endometriosis on Asian women, including common symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. It includes quotes from Asian doctors and researchers and statistics specific to the region.

This week’s Asian medical news bulletin covers updates from the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Topics include face mask wearing, a new eye health center, a sugar consumption campaign, healthcare worker strikes, and a foodborne botulism outbreak. The bulletin also includes a warning about the Marburg virus disease from the Indonesian government.