Co-founder Zhou Xingxing, a former student at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said the concept was designed to make TCM culture more accessible to younger, wellness-focused consumers. He said customers receive a consultation from a TCM doctor before taking their report to the bartender, who prepares a cocktail using herbal ingredients and Chinese yellow wine.

TCM doctor Lu Sheng said the bar focuses on lifestyle advice and health maintenance rather than medical treatment, with most ingredients chosen from substances that can also be used as food. Visitors described the concept as novel and marketable

In Lusaka, HIV advocate Dora Sakala described the row as a “wake-up call”, arguing that Zambia must stop exporting raw resources and start building local value chains. “We export [ copper ] in raw material, and then they sell it back to us at a higher price… But why can’t we do all this on our own?” she told Viory, calling for Zambia to generate more income domestically.

Political scientist Musiyani Sichone said the confrontation reflects intensifying great-power competition over Africa’s resource base. He argued that Zambia has become “a battleground between the West and the East”, with China already deeply embedded in the mining sector and the US now trying to regain ground, increasingly through deals that appear more transactional than before.

Researchers said some of the sharpest increases are expected in parts of the Horn of Africa, including Djibouti, Somalia and Ethiopia ’s lowlands, where extreme heat exposure is already rising and is projected to worsen as the climate warms.  

The report also highlights how vulnerability, not just climate, shapes outcomes. It points to Djibouti, which is projected to see a rise in heat-related deaths roughly twice that of Kuwait despite broadly similar hot-weather conditions, a gap the researchers link to differences in resilience and protection.  

“In Djibouti, temperature-related mortality is projected to increase by 55 deaths per 100,000, on par with the current death rate of HIV/AIDS, while Kuwait is projected to experience 25 additional deaths per 100,000, less than half the current death rate of heart disease,” the report found.

A major theme in the findings is inequality; poorer communities are expected to suffer the most because they have fewer ways to escape extreme heat, from limited access to cooling, to weaker health systems, to outdoor work that increases exposure. The Climate Impact Lab said this makes adaptation spending in low-income areas “critical.”  

Using the North American findings as a benchmark, the team reported differences by city. London’s gas contained about 64 times more benzene, Amsterdam about 73 times more, and Milan about 8.5 times more, compared with the earlier North American data.

The study also raised concerns about leaks inside kitchens. When researchers checked appliances while stoves were switched off, they found leaks in roughly 40% of kitchens. They estimated that about 9% of homes had leaks large enough to exceed recommended exposure limits under UK and EU guidelines.

A key problem, researchers said, is that many people may not get a clear warning. Gas utilities add sulphur-based odorants so leaks can be detected by smell, but the study found odour levels were often too low to alert households before benzene concentrations could rise to hazardous levels.

Ventilation helped reduce indoor pollution , opening windows or using extractor hoods lowered concentrations during cooking, but researchers said constant leaks would require hours of ventilation a day, making the issue hard to manage at the household level.

“This is really a systemic problem,” lead author Dr Tamara Sparks said, arguing that stronger measures, such as improving leak detection and increasing odorisation levels, could help people identify smaller leaks sooner and reduce long-term exposure risks.

"Catholic theology does not have preclusions, on a religious or ritual basis, in using any animal as a source of organs, tissues or cells for transplantation to human beings," the document noted.

However, the Vatican set out conditions that treatments should follow best medical practice, animals should not be subjected to cruelty, and research should be carried out in a way it described as “purposeful, proportionate and sustainable.”

The guidelines also urge doctors to be explicit with patients about the risks of xenotransplantation, including possible rejection by the immune system and the chance of infections linked to microorganisms.

Animal-to-human transplants remain uncommon, but rapid advances, including experimental procedures involving genetically modified pigs,  have pushed the issue higher on medical and ethical agendas, prompting the Vatican to update and expand earlier guidance first issued in 2001 .

He said the United States was not seeking anything that would run against Zambia’s laws or national interests.

The clarification follows claims circulating a proposed US$1 billion health-related arrangement, as Zambia’s copper and other minerals draw growing international attention amid global demand linked to industrial expansion and the energy transition.

Zambian officials have repeatedly said foreign partnerships, whether in mining, health or infrastructure, must support national development priorities and avoid deals that appear opaque or extractive, a point that has become more politically sensitive as the country heads deeper into an election season.

The US response, while focused on a specific claim, underscores how quickly narratives around resources and foreign assistance can trigger public concern in mineral-rich countries, particularly when strategic commodities are involved.

Gerrit Lösch, a member of the denomination’s Governing Body, explained the change in a video statement . He said that while the Bible instructs believers to “abstain from blood,” it does not specifically address the use of one’s own blood in medical settings.

“Each Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be used in all medical and surgical care,” Lösch stated. “This includes whether to allow his own blood to be removed, stored, and then given back to him. Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them, others may object”.

The organisation continues to prohibit the use of donated blood from others. A spokesperson emphasised that its “core belief regarding the sanctity of blood remains unchanged”.

The 140-year-old movement, which reports a worldwide membership of 9.2 million, has historically interpreted biblical commands to “abstain from blood” as a total ban on transfusions. Previously, the church accepted procedures like kidney dialysis, where blood is only briefly removed and immediately returned, but it strictly forbade extended storage.

The new policy marks a complete reversal of guidance published in the official 2000 edition of The Watchtower , which explicitly stated: “Hence, we do not donate blood, nor do we store for transfusion our blood. That practice conflicts with God’s law”.

Medical experts note that autologous blood can typically be collected between five and six weeks before surgery. While it eliminates the risk of contracting infectious diseases from a donor, experts warn it can lead to anaemia or a lower blood count in the patient before their procedure.

The policy update has received mixed reactions from former members. Mitch Melin, an advocate and former member, said the change does not address emergencies.

“I don’t think it goes far enough, but it’s a significant change,” Melin said . “If one of Jehovah’s Witnesses faces a medical emergency with significant blood loss, or if a child requires multiple transfusions to treat certain types of cancers, this policy change does not grant them complete freedom of conscience to accept potentially life-saving interventions involving donated blood”.

Melin also noted that some members may face challenges due to limited hospital infrastructure in certain countries that does not support blood storage.

The Jehovah's Witness organisation stated that many medical providers are already respecting their members' health-care directives. However, the ban on third-party blood remains one of the group's most distinctive and controversial teachings.

Prosecutors allege the network fraudulently registered some medical facilities and then submitted claims for procedures that were never performed, draining about KSh 28 million  (approx. US$217,000) from public health funds.

The DPP has also recommended criminal charges against eight facilities named in the case: Kaafi Nursing Home, Dimtu Nursing Limited, Mama Nerbeel Nursing Home, Kamsihawa Medical Centre, Adfeel Kids Care Medical Centre Limited, Julun Nursing Home, Danaba Care Hospital Limited and Alati Nursing Home.

The approved charges include conspiracy to de fraud , operating unlicensed health facilities, acquisition and use of proceeds of crime, unauthorised access to computer systems, computer fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and abuse of office. Investigators believe the scheme relied on fake patient claims, questionable billing practices and access to digital health systems.

In a related case arising from the same probe, Harun Liluma has already been charged and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a KSh 1 million (approx. US$7,700 - 7,800) bond with two sureties or KSh 500,000 (between US$3,850 - 3,900) cash bail, and the matter is due back in court on March 12, 2026, as authorities continue tracing the remaining suspects over alleged offences committed between January 30 and August 25, 2025.

Sapien Labs founder and chief scientist Dr Tara Thiagarajan says the issue is bigger than depression and anxiety. “The mind health crisis appears to be a progressive slide from generation to generation,” she said, with many young adults struggling with emotional control, focus and relationship management.

The report points to early-life smartphone use, diet changes, weaker family bonds and declining spirituality as key drivers, and argues the gap widened sharply around the Covid-19 period and has persisted since.

Further, the report calls for policy responses including tighter rules on phone use in schools, minimum ages for social media access and closer scrutiny of additives in ultra-processed foods.

Ghana tops the list for youth mind health, followed by Nigeria, Kenya , Zimbabwe and Tanzania, while several high-income countries rank near the bottom.

Sapien Labs measures mind health using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), a composite score that reflects emotional, cognitive, social and physical functioning, the capacities people rely on to manage life, work and relationships.

Researchers link the global decline to factors including early smartphone exposure, ultra-processed food consumption, weakening family bonds and reduced spirituality. They say parts of sub-Saharan Africa score better on some of these indicators, including later smartphone adoption and stronger spiritual and family connections.

Tanzania , for example, ranks highly on spirituality measures and reports a later average age of first smartphone use.

A health expert has said the rising figure shows persistent demand for treatment abroad, driven by weak confidence in local care, recurring disruptions, and limited capacity for specialised services . Former Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria president Olumide Akintayo said the system has deteriorated, pointing to prolonged industrial action and its knock-on effects.

“What the statistics and data… confirm authoritatively is that the health system has only gotten worse,” Akintayo said, adding, “We have just witnessed the longest-ever strike of health workers… 84 days.”

Nigerian Medical Association president Prof. Bala Audu said many Nigerians seeking FX for medical travel are likely pursuing treatment for serious, long-term illnesses. “Without that information, it would be very difficult to proffer a solution. But most likely it will be for chronic debilitating diseases such as different types of advanced cancers,” he said.

Audu added that Nigeria has skilled clinicians but lacks critical infrastructure. “For most treatments that are not available, the competent people to give those treatments are available. But what about the equipment?” he asked, citing gaps ranging from specialised machines to reagents and tests sometimes sent abroad.

However, vendors must receive typhoid vaccinations and complete food-handling courses before being allowed to operate. The state health department will also monitor bazaars to ensure hygiene and food safety rules are followed.

This decision comes as the health ministry recorded 596 new TB cases during Epidemiological Week Six of 2026, bringing the cumulative total this year to 3,161 cases. 

Johor has reported 280 cases so far. Sabah recorded the highest number at 755, followed by Selangor with 596 and Sarawak with 332.

Why these bazaars are important in Malaysia

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country , and Ramadan bazaars are a central feature of the fasting month, drawing large evening crowds buying food for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. 

According to the 2020 national census, 63.5% of Malaysia’s population practices Islam, making Ramadan a major period of heightened social and commercial activity.

The health ministry said it had no plans to reintroduce mandatory mask rules similar to those imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, it is encouraging personal responsibility.

While Malaysia has transitioned to the endemic phase of Covid-19, officials warned that respiratory infections — including TB — can spread more easily in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, particularly if an individual with untreated active TB is present.

Again, the ministry stressed that Ramadan itself does not cause disease transmission, but increased social interaction may raise exposure risks. It advised the public to wear masks if experiencing symptoms such as cough or fever.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad previously said that 85% of TB cases involve Malaysian citizens, with 15% linked to foreigners.

“Crowded, enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces increase the risk of transmission, especially if an individual with untreated active TB is present,” the ministry said.

It stressed that Ramadan itself is not a cause of TB transmission, but warned that increased social interaction during the month could raise exposure risks.

“Ramadan itself is not a cause of TB transmission. However, higher social interaction during the month may increase exposure risks,” the statement added.

The ministry said community awareness and early action remain crucial to controlling the disease. “With collective action, we can ensure a safe and healthy Ramadan for all,” it said, noting that TB spreads differently from respiratory viruses.

“Unlike influenza or Covid-19, TB spreads more slowly and usually requires prolonged and repeated exposure,” the ministry said.

As part of its advisory, the public was urged to practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, ensure indoor areas are well ventilated, wear masks if symptomatic or when in crowded places, and seek medical attention for a cough lasting more than two weeks or other TB-related symptoms.

By state, Sabah recorded the highest number of cases (755), followed by Selangor (596) and Sarawak (332). Johor recorded 280 cases, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya logged 244. At the other end of the scale, Labuan reported the lowest number (18), with Perlis (21) and Melaka (48) also among the lowest.

These projects mark the first components of a broader regional strategy to confront a rapidly escalating threat to human health and economic stability.

“Few regions feel the impacts of extreme heat as sharply as South Asia ,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “We all know that every death primarily due to excess heat can be prevented and heat health action plans are saving lives.” 

Where the funding will go

The South Asia Climate Health Desk, established under the joint programme and implemented with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the India Meteorological Department, will improve how weather and climate data are translated into public health action. 

This desk is expected to develop early warning systems, risk assessments and decision-support tools to help authorities respond before heatwaves peak.

A second initiative, the South Asia Scientific Research Consortium, backed by a Rockefeller Foundation grant to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, will deepen scientific understanding of how extreme heat affects different populations. 

Under this program, researchers aim to develop tailored heat-risk thresholds to strengthen preparedness plans and community-level adaptation.

Why heat is a major problem in South Asia

In India and Pakistan, pre-monsoon temperatures regularly exceed 50°C. Heat-related mortality across the region now surpasses 200,000 deaths annually. 

Beyond the health toll, extreme heat is eroding productivity. In 2024 alone, India lost an estimated 247 billion potential labor hours due to heat exposure, translating to roughly $194 billion in income losses, according to the Lancet Countdown.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the partnership will strengthen the “science-to-services pathway” and improve early warning support for health agencies.

These investments respond to calls by António Guterres for urgent global action on extreme heat, especially in South Asia, the world’s most populated region.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini told senators the clause had been “smuggled” into the bill. “The clause was smuggled in; it was not there originally,” Kwidini said during the debate.

The proposed amendment would have allowed abortions on request up to 20 weeks for adults and minors without parental consent, removed spousal notification requirements, and permitted a single medical practitioner to authorise the procedure.

Kwidini distanced the ministry from the provision, saying it was not part of the original draft presented in the Lower House. “When the Bill was introduced in the Lower House at First Reading, there was no Clause 11, it ended at Clause 10,” he said. “As the Ministry, we are saying Clause 11 cannot be part of this Bill.”

Most senators indicated they were unwilling to support the clause in its current form. The government suggested that if abortion law reforms are to be considered, they should be introduced under a separate bill.

Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice a year, offering six months of protection per dose. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, the drug works by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body of a person at risk. It is not a vaccine or a cure and is intended strictly for individuals who do not have HIV.

Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses for the initial roll-out across 15 priority counties selected based on HIV burden and prevalence data, according to local news outlet The Daily Nation . These counties are Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, Kisii, Mombasa, Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Busia, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru.

An additional 12,000 continuation doses are expected by April to ensure that those who begin the injections complete their course without interruption. Following the first phase, the rollout will be extended to an additional 15 counties before expanding to the remaining 17 counties nationwide.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that Lenacapavir will be integrated into the existing health system, including distribution through the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa). The National Aids and STI Control Programme will oversee its use, safety, and commodity management.

"Let me emphasise that this medicine is for those who are HIV negative. It must be stated clearly and emphasised that Lenacapavir is neither a vaccine nor a cure for HIV, and therefore we urge all those on treatment to continue their lifelong therapy," Duale said.

"The medicine works by blocking critical stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from establishing infection in the body. Its greatest advantage is that it is administered only twice a year, offering six months of protection per dose," he added.

Lenacapavir was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025 and later endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) through updated guidelines released in July 2025, confirming its safety and effectiveness for HIV prevention.

In January this year, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) recommended the registration of Lenacapavir 300mg tablets and Lenacapavir 464mg solution for injection after a scientific assessment conducted in line with Kenyan laws and international regulatory standards.

The current batch has been funded by the Global Fund through a negotiated arrangement with the manufacturer at a cost of Sh7,800 (about $60.47) per patient per year.

Kenya is among the early adopter countries for Lenacapavir. Other countries include Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Earlier this month, South Africa also made positive strides in the fight against the disease, commencing the first human trials of a locally developed HIV vaccine . The trial is the first HIV vaccine study designed and led entirely by African scientists. South Africa has approximately eight million people living with HIV, the highest number globally.

According to the World Health Organisation, one paediatrician should care for no more than 50 children with complex health needs. In Tanzania, however, access to specialised care remains limited, particularly outside major urban centres.

The country’s health professionals told The Citizen that the shortage is one reason neonatal deaths, particularly those occurring within the first 28 days of life, continue to account for a significant share of under-five mortality. While Tanzania has made notable progress in reducing maternal deaths, improvements in newborn and child survival have been slower.

“This gap explains why preventable deaths still occur,” said Prof Pascal Rugajo, Dean of the Aga Khan University (AKU) Medical College in Tanzania. He noted that as maternal mortality declines, national health priorities are increasingly shifting toward strengthening specialised care for children.

Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, maternal mortality reportedly dropped from about 556 deaths per 100,000 live births to around 104, a milestone that earned international recognition. However, specialists caution that achieving similar gains in child health will require significantly expanding the number of trained paediatricians.

Dr Elisamia Ngowi, one of the newly graduated paediatric specialists, said the current ratio is not sustainable. “One specialist cannot adequately serve thousands of children,” he said, adding that advanced training improves early diagnosis and management of complex childhood illnesses.

Malaysia will take immediate action against unauthorised houses of worship , Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on February 9, amid rising disputes that have raised concerns over national unity. He said temples or shrines built without legal approval, particularly on land they do not own, will no longer be allowed, and municipal councils have been authorised to clear such structures. Anwar noted the sensitivity of the issue in Malaysia’s multi-religious society, citing recent disputes involving Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. While acknowledging potential backlash, he warned against vigilantism, stressing that enforcement must be carried out strictly according to the law.

New member of Malaysian royalty is born

Prince Abdul Mateen and his wife, Princess Anisha Rosnah, have welcomed their first child , a baby girl, the Brunei royal household announced on Sunday. In a statement carried by national broadcaster RTB News, the Office of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said Princess Anisha gave birth safely on Feb 8 at 8.50am, in an announcement made in accordance with the Sultan’s orders. The birth was marked by 17 cannon shots fired at the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman. The couple, who married in a royal ceremony last year, announced the pregnancy in October.

Anwar says language, history must anchor education to prevent detached elite

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia must place language and history at the core of its education system to avoid producing an elite class disconnected from national identity. Speaking at an event at Universiti Selangor in Shah Alam, Anwar said a firm commitment was needed if the country was serious about shaping its own character. He stressed that the principle should apply across all education streams, including international schools, which have expanded rapidly. While debates on language and education date back decades, Anwar said indecision was no longer an option, adding that cultural grounding must progress alongside economic and technological development.

Health ministry bans cosmetic product found to contain mercury

The health ministry has banned the sale of Saqa Glowing Turmeric Night Treatment Cream after tests found it contained mercury , a prohibited substance in cosmetics. The ministry revoked the product’s notification, making it illegal to sell or distribute in the country, Bernama reported. In a statement, the ministry warned that mercury can be absorbed into the body and cause serious health risks, including kidney and nervous system damage, developmental harm to children and fetuses, and skin reactions such as rashes and irritation. Consumers have been urged to stop using the product, while sellers and distributors must immediately halt sales due to regulatory violations.

Toddler opening car door triggers six-vehicle crash

A two-year-old child opening a car door caused a six-vehicle road accident along Jalan Tun Razak on Friday evening, police said. The crash occurred near the Kampung Pandan roundabout heading towards KLCC and involved four cars and two motorcycles. Preliminary investigations found the child, seated in the rear of a Honda City and held by a relative, opened the left rear door after the child safety lock was not engaged. A motorcyclist was unable to avoid the door, triggering a chain collision. One rider was hospitalised, while another suffered minor injuries. Police are investigating for careless driving.

South Africa continues to be the global epicentre of the HIV epidemic, with approximately eight million people living with the virus —the highest number in the world. While antiretroviral therapy has helped many manage the condition, the scale of the crisis remains severe. Around 20% of South African adults are HIV positive. In 2024, the country recorded about 170,000 new infections and 53,000 AIDS-related deaths.

This trial, known as the HVTN 702 trial, builds on the RV144 trial conducted in Thailand in 2003—the only HIV vaccine trial to have shown any efficacy. Unlike the Thai study, which targeted the Clade B strain, South African scientists have tailored the new vaccine to target Clade C, which is the dominant strain in the country.

The vaccine involves a combination of DNA vaccines to stimulate the body’s immune system, followed by protein injections to enhance the response. 

Dr Danielle Crida, senior medical officer at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, said: “We are following by giving a boost at 12 months, so we are hoping that it will be more effective than the Thai vaccine.” Researchers are aiming for an efficacy rate between 50 and 60%.

The trial is being led by the BRILLIANT Consortium, which comprises the South African Medical Research Council, scientists from Wits University, and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation. The consortium also includes scientists from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. Its objective is to develop an HIV vaccine tailored for African populations.

In a statement, the South African Medical Research Council said: “The trial is…marking a major milestone in African-led HIV vaccine research. Brilliant 011 brings renewed hope that an HIV vaccine developed through African science, for African populations, is becoming increasingly possible.”

Glenda Grey of Wits University described the trial as a “critical step in the long journey toward an effective HIV vaccine.” She said a successful vaccine would “dramatically reduce new infections and ease the long-term financial and logistical pressures of lifelong treatment.”

The launch of this trial comes amid challenges in South Africa’s healthcare system due to international funding cuts, including reductions from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID. These funding shifts have previously disrupted local prevention and treatment programmes.

According to the Toxinological Society of Nigeria, nearly 1,900 people die from snakebites annually. However, the real figure could be higher due to underreporting, especially in remote areas where victims rely on traditional remedies.

Antivenom is expensive, with a single dose costing between ₦180,000 and ₦250,000 (approximately $120 - $170), more than four months’ income for Nigerians earning the minimum wage. Many patients require multiple doses, pushing treatment far beyond what most families can afford.

Studies show that about half of Nigeria’s health facilities lack the capacity to treat snakebite cases, either because they do not stock antivenom or because health workers are not trained to administer it. “Nigeria records thousands of snakebites every year, yet even specialised hospitals often do not have antivenom in stock,” said Dr Nicholas Amani of the Snakebite Hospital and Research Centre in Gombe State.

Further, a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Patricia Lar added that; “The anti-snake venom problem is that in our country, we’re not committed to the production of the anti-snake venom. We have the science, we have people who are knowledgeable about it, but there is the general problem of a lack of commitment, concerted efforts to develop and produce on a large scale the anti-snake venom. So Nigeria imports, and there are wide varieties from India, China, and from the UK, and that is the reason the cost is exorbitant, and you don’t find it in every hospital or in primary healthcare centres where people should easily access it.”

Adding; “We need expertise and a general awareness of the first line of action, which is primary health care. There is a need for this anti-snake venom to be readily available and to be administered in the event of a bite by a poisonous snake.”

Following recent high-profile deaths linked to snakebites, medical professionals and lawmakers have renewed calls for the government to subsidise antivenom, expand local production and make the treatment freely available nationwide.

The policy applies to freshly brewed beverages and was developed with nine major coffee operators, including Café Amazon, Inthanin, All Café, Black Canyon, and Punthai.

Health authorities described the move as one that is designed to slow the rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, which remain a growing burden in Thailand.

According to Bangkok Hospital , nearly 1 in every 10 Thais aged 15 and above is living with diabetes — close to 5 million people — a figure that has sharpened the government’s push to cut sugar consumption nationwide.

Globally , diabetes has surged at an alarming pace, with the number of people living with the disease rising from about 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022, with treatment coverage weakest in poorer nations.

Rather than banning sugar outright, the programme changes the default recipe. Customers will still be able to request full sweetness, but the standard option will now deliver only 50% sugar.

This move is a form of behavioural “nudging,” a strategy meant to gently reshape consumer habits by normalising lower-sugar choices.

Under the revised formula, a typical 16-ounce cup of coffee or Thai milk tea will contain about 3.3 to 3.7 teaspoons of sugar, comfortably below the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum of six teaspoons.

The initiative also dovetails with Thailand’s expanding sugar tax regime, which targets sweetened beverages and is expected to generate 578.2 billion baht ($18 billion) in revenue in 2026.

While packaged drinks are already taxed based on sugar content, freshly made beverages have largely fallen outside regulatory reach. The new partnership effectively closes that gap.

For coffee chains, the shift offers financial upside as well. Using less sugar and syrup lowers ingredient costs, helping businesses offset higher taxes and rising raw material prices without raising menu prices.

Tanzania is facing a sharp rise in diabetes cases, with uneven access to insulin worsening the burden on patients, especially in rural areas. Data from the National Health Information System (DHIS2) show the number of people living with diabetes climbed from 680,445 in 2021 to 863,741 in 2025, a 27 percent increase. Speaking at the International Conference on Access and Distribution of Insulin (ACCISS) in Unguja, Zanzibar, Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla said equitable access to insulin remains critical. “Diabetes is a global health challenge… ensuring equitable access to life-saving insulin remains essential,” he said . More than 2.9 million Tanzanians live with diabetes, with over 10,000 relying on insulin to survive.

Samia pushes Africa-Caribbean cooperation

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has advanced Tanzania’s economic diplomacy at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, holding talks with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and UN Tourism leadership. Discussions focused on strengthening Africa-Caribbean ties, expanding trade, investment, aviation connectivity, tourism, and security cooperation. Prime Minister Browne praised Tanzania’s handling of recent post-election security issues, noting that the formation of an independent Commission of Inquiry reflected “commitment to accountability and constitutional order.” President Samia also highlighted ongoing reconciliation and constitutional reform efforts.  

Drone technology in agriculture

Tanzania has officially introduced drones as part of efforts to modernise agriculture and increase productivity. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba launched the initiative in Dar es Salaam at the African Conference on Sustainable Use of Agricultural Tools. Officials said the drones can spray up to 3.5 acres in just 10 minutes and carry up to 60 litres or 60 kilograms of agricultural inputs. The drones will be operated through partnerships involving the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the Cashew Board and crop regulatory authorities.  

Routine US immigration raids

Tanzanian communities in the United States are increasingly living under fear as immigration enforcement operations intensify. What were once sporadic arrests have become routine daytime raids in workplaces, transport hubs and streets. Many Tanzanians have withdrawn from public life, stopped posting online, or avoided community gatherings. “I just feel like they could track me online,” said a Tanzanian resident in New York. In Minnesota, several Tanzanians have reportedly been detained and transferred to a Texas deportation camp, while others describe frequent ID checks. Community members note ICE restrictions, including the requirement for a judicial warrant to enter private homes.

Uganda secures $6.3m meteorological upgrade

Uganda has secured a $6.3 million UN-backed grant to modernise its weather infrastructure through the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF). The project will improve forecasting, expand compliance with global observation standards, and strengthen nowcasting capacity for extreme weather alerts. Officials said shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures underscore the urgency of stronger climate resilience across the region.

The Western Cape has emerged as the centre of South Africa’s ongoing diphtheria outbreak, accounting for nearly three-quarters of confirmed cases and the majority of related deaths, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Of the 91 laboratory-confirmed cases recorded nationwide between January 2024 and January 18, 2026, 67 were reported in the province. The NICD said “the majority of confirmed cases and carriers (76%) are from the Western Cape,” with repeated clusters in households, communities and correctional facilities pointing to sustained transmission. Nineteen deaths have been recorded nationally, 12 of them in the Western Cape, giving an overall case fatality ratio of 21%. The NICD warned that diphtheria is “a highly contagious vaccine-preventable illness” that can be fatal if treatment is delayed.  

ANC sets up ‘war room’ ahead of municipal elections

The ANC has announced the creation of a dedicated “war room” to tackle persistent local government failures ahead of this year’s municipal elections, with water shortages and rural road infrastructure flagged as top priorities. Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the intervention would be led by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and focus on speeding up implementation across municipalities. “This is the year of decisive action to fix local government and ensure a viable economy,” Mashatile said , adding that water reticulation rather than dam capacity was at the heart of many shortages. The initiative follows internal party assessments pointing to weak policy implementation as a long-standing challenge.

Ramaphosa denies ANC is ‘selling the country’ to private sector

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against criticism within the ANC that the party has embraced neo-liberalism or is privatising state assets. Addressing the ANC National Executive Committee at its lekgotla, Ramaphosa said the government was “not privatising anything” but partnering with the private sector through concession-style agreements. “What we are doing is to bring in partners,” he said, citing roads, Eskom and Transnet as examples where private participation is structured on a “build, operate and transfer” basis, with assets ultimately returning to the state.  

Malema defiant ahead of sentencing in firearms case

EFF leader Julius Malema struck a defiant tone outside the East London Magistrate’s Court as his pre-sentencing hearing got underway following his conviction on firearms-related charges. “The revolution must continue,” Malema said, insisting that no prison sentence would make him retreat from his political beliefs. He accused AfriForum, which brought the private prosecution  of using the courts to fight political battles, saying, “I will never retreat, I will never surrender to white supremacy.” Malema added that he feared poverty and landlessness more than imprisonment, while also casting aspersions on the judiciary despite serving on the Judicial Service Commission.

Top jurists warn of strain on constitutional democracy

Prominent jurists Dennis Davis and Geoff Budlender SC have raised concerns about the long-term health of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, warning that persistent failures to realise socioeconomic rights are fuelling public disillusionment. Davis said inequality is now worse than at the adoption of the constitution, calling the government’s economic policy record since 1994 a “monumental failure”. Both jurists noted growing political pressure to amend or discard the constitution, with Davis warning that parties sceptical of the current constitutional order now command a significant share of the vote. While stressing that South Africa has not crossed into authoritarianism, they cautioned that the warning signs are mounting.

Figures compiled by the social service agency Loving Heart Multi-Service Centre from media reports show that at least 33 seniors died alone and were not discovered for some time in 2025. In 2024, there were at least 42 such cases. The police do not keep official statistics on undetected deaths, according to a parliamentary reply in 2024.

One widely reported case occurred in Jurong East in 2024, when the decomposing body of an 80-year-old woman was found in her flat after neighbours complained of a strong smell. Her husband was hospitalised at the time of her death.

The number of seniors living alone has also risen in the country. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament that about 87,000 residents aged 65 and above were living alone in 2024, a 50 per cent increase from 58,000 in 2018.

Social service agencies say isolation is a key factor. Elaine Ho, head of community health at Loving Heart, said some seniors avoid social interaction, stop going out and gradually experience declining health.

To address the problem, community groups are expanding befriending and outreach programmes. Loving Heart plans to launch a “No More Undetected Deaths” project in early 2026, using trained volunteers to regularly check on vulnerable seniors living alone in Jurong East.

The initiative will begin with two housing blocks in Yuhua and aims to eventually support up to 400 seniors. Volunteers will be trained to build relationships, identify warning signs and link seniors to appropriate support.

Ong has said such befriending programmes are essential to preventing seniors from dying alone at home, adding that outreach efforts by grassroots volunteers, active ageing centres and government agencies will continue to be strengthened.

Researchers say sleep offers a unique window into overall health because it records many of the body’s core functions continuously over several hours. “We record an amazing number of signals when we study sleep,” said Dr Emmanuel Mignot, a senior author of the study published in Nature Medicine. “It’s very data-rich.”

While artificial intelligence has increasingly been used in areas such as cardiology and cancer detection, sleep has received far less attention, despite its importance to physical and mental health. “From an AI perspective, sleep is relatively understudied,” said Dr James Zou, an associate professor at Stanford and co-author of the research. He said SleepFM shows that sleep data can be used to predict a wide range of health outcomes, from cardiovascular conditions to mental health disorders.

The researchers stress that the technology is not meant to replace doctors, but to support earlier detection and prevention. In the future, such models could help identify health risks before symptoms appear, allowing patients and clinicians to act sooner.

Stanford’s team says more research and clinical testing will be needed before sleep-based AI tools are used widely in healthcare.

Despite warnings that CircumQ is unproven and potentially unsafe, especially for adolescent boys, the provincial government has committed millions of rands to introduce the device in clinics across the coastal region.

This isn’t the first time the KZN health department has faced similar issues. In 2011, it was criticised for using the Tara KLamp , another device that lacked proper clinical trials.

The current controversy centres on a national tender awarded for the CircumQ device, which is now being deployed in KZN clinics. 

In a memo sent to health officials in December 2025, Eugene Khumalo, acting clinical coordinator at Northdale Hospital’s Centre of Excellence, raised "profound alarm", as reported by local news channel Ground Up . He criticised the rollout for happening without consulting the Centre of Excellence, the body responsible for maintaining quality in circumcision services.

Khumalo called the move a "fundamental failure of clinical governance", warning it "recklessly endangers patients" and puts the Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programme at "dire risk".

One major issue is that the CircumQ device needs suturing (stitches), unlike other devices that allow for stitch-free procedures. Experts note that many circumcisions happen at outreach or mobile sites, where stitching isn’t usually done.

Another problem is that no staff had been trained to use CircumQ at the time the order was placed. More than 90 staff are already trained to use the Unicirc device, but Khumalo says introducing CircumQ without training goes against accepted medical protocols.

Meanwhile, Unicirc—the competing supplier—has taken legal action. They argue that CircumQ lacks the peer-reviewed data and WHO prequalification needed for use on boys aged 10 to 14. National Treasury, however, claims that bidders weren’t required to submit scientific data supporting adolescent use.

There are also cost concerns.

Khumalo warned that if the court forces a withdrawal of CircumQ after the rollout, the province could face "catastrophic legal and financial consequences" due to the large financial investment already made.

VMMC has been a key part of efforts to reduce HIV transmission, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 2007. The procedure can lower the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by around 60%, and over 27 million circumcisions have been done in Eastern and Southern Africa. But the WHO clearly states that all circumcision devices must be properly tested for safety and clinically approved.

Globally, South Africa has the highest HIV mortality rate and the second highest HIV prevalence at 17.2%, just behind Eswatini at 23.4%.

What is cereulide?

Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Unlike many bacteria, cereulide is heat-stable, meaning it can survive cooking, pasteurisation and reheating.

Once ingested, the toxin can trigger symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea, often within 30 minutes to six hours. In most healthy adults, symptoms usually pass within a day, but infants, young children and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of complications.

Why is it a concern in infant formula?

Infant formula is tightly regulated because babies rely on it as a primary source of nutrition. Even low levels of contamination can pose health risks, particularly because infants’ bodies are still developing.

There are currently no international standards setting an acceptable limit for cereulide in food, including baby formula. As a result, authorities often act cautiously when there is any indication the toxin could be present.

In this case, Nestlé said a “quality issue” was detected in an ingredient sourced from one of its major suppliers, prompting the company to recall affected batches as a preventive measure.

How widespread is the recall?

Health agencies in at least 37 countries have issued warnings or recalls linked to the affected products. Several of the recalled formulas were manufactured in Switzerland and distributed globally.

Some countries, including Singapore, have ordered a temporary stop to the sale of specific batches while investigations are ongoing. Nestlé has said that products in certain markets have been tested as safe, but regulators are continuing independent checks.

Are babies known to have fallen ill?

So far, no confirmed cases of illness linked to the recalled Nestlé infant formulas have been reported, according to health authorities.

However, parents and caregivers have been advised not to use the affected products as a precaution. Anyone whose child has consumed the formula and shows symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea is urged to seek medical advice promptly.

“This research gives us a biological explanation for why limiting screen time in the first two years is crucial,” said Dr Tan Ai Peng, the study’s lead researcher. “It also highlights the importance of parental engagement, showing that parent-child activities, like reading together, can make a real difference.”

Brain scans carried out when the children were aged four and a half, six and seven and a half showed that higher screen exposure in infancy was linked to faster maturation of brain networks involved in visual processing and cognitive control. While early brain maturation may sound positive, Dr Tan warned that this is not necessarily the case.

“The first few years of life is when the brain is starting to learn real-world experiences,” she said. “It is important that they get exposed to different types of environmental stimuli, and not just very excessive visual stimulation like what they get on screen.”

For children whose parents read to them frequently from the age of three, the link between early screen exposure and later brain changes was significantly weakened.

“When we started this study, we wanted to see how altered brain development might lead to anxiety symptoms during adolescence,” Dr Tan said. “There is a high possibility that they may not be able to cope well in new social environments.”

Published in the medical journal eBioMedicine, the findings add to growing global concerns about excessive screen use in early childhood.

Losing the ranking means Morocco has fallen out of the group of reference countries recognised by the WHO, a setback the network described as a blow to national health security and vaccine sovereignty.

According to the network, the audit revealed weaknesses in governance , independence and regulatory performance. Morocco’s legal and regulatory index reportedly dropped to just one out of five, raising concerns about oversight and accountability within the agency. 

The group also blamed the decline on what it called a flawed pharmaceutical policy, pointing to powerful industry lobbies , weak competition enforcement and drug prices that in some cases are more than ten times higher than in countries of origin or in Europe.

Another major concern raised was a “brain drain” from the sector, with more than 200 scientific and technical professionals said to have left due to poor working conditions and lack of job stability. The network warned that replacing experienced staff with short-term contracts has undermined institutional capacity.

While several African countries have achieved WHO Maturity Level 3 status in recent years, Morocco’s downgrade risks limiting its ability to market medicines and vaccines regionally and internationally, potentially deterring investment.

The network has called for an investigation into the causes of the downgrade, reforms to strengthen the regulator’s independence, tighter controls on drug pricing, and stronger action by the Competition Council to curb monopolistic practices in the pharmaceutical market.

It also urged the government to introduce incentives to retain scientific talent and restore confidence in Morocco’s drug regulatory system.

Particularly striking was the rate of higher-order multiple births involving three or more babies. South Korea recorded 0.67 such births per 1,000 deliveries, the highest among all countries in the database and roughly three times the global norm, underscoring the scale of the phenomenon.

While multiple births have increased internationally since the 1980s, the report found that South Korea’s rise has been steeper and more persistent. Researchers linked this trend largely to delayed childbearing.

The average age of women giving birth rose from 32.2 in 2015 to 33.7 in 2024, while mothers of multiples were older still, averaging 35.3 years. The growing use of assisted reproductive technologies has also played a role, as more couples seek fertility treatment later in life.

Medical experts have long classified multifetal pregnancies as high-risk. Compared with single pregnancies, they are associated with higher rates of complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes for mothers, as well as low birth weight and premature delivery for infants.

South Korea’s government has rolled out a range of policies to counter the country’s record-low fertility rate, which fell to 0.72 in 2023 before edging up to around 0.75. However, the study found that most measures focus on financial and medical support after birth, rather than preventing high-risk pregnancies in the first place.

Current guidelines for medically assisted reproduction still allow for the transfer of multiple embryos, a practice that increases the likelihood of twins or triplets. By contrast, countries including the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan have sharply reduced multiple-birth rates by recommending single embryo transfers and by actively informing patients of the associated risks.

The report also pointed to a distinctive social factor in South Korea, describing a growing tendency towards what it termed “convenience-oriented childbirth,” where couples aim to have two children through a single pregnancy in response to economic pressures and time constraints.

Researchers warned that South Korea’s exceptionally high multiple-birth rate is unlikely to fall without policy change. They urged the government to treat the issue as an extension of childcare and maternal health policy, calling for measures that prioritise health before and during pregnancy, alongside reforms designed to reduce the incidence of multifetal births.

Health authorities point to the uncertain long-term effects of inhaling e-liquids as a major factor behind these bans. Chemicals in vape liquids, including nicotine and other additives, have been linked to potential respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Governments are also concerned about the rising prevalence of vaping among young people , who may develop nicotine dependence early and transition to conventional smoking.

In addition to physical health, mental health risks have become a key concern. In Malaysia, for example, authorities have reported cases of drug-induced psychosis linked to adulterated vape liquids and synthetic substances. These incidents prompted the Health Ministry to establish a task force to monitor and address potential health crises associated with vaping.

Regulatory approaches differ across countries, but the overall aim is consistent: to protect public health and prevent addiction. Some governments have enacted total bans, prohibiting sales, imports, and marketing entirely. Others have introduced partial restrictions, such as limiting sales to minors or banning online advertising. These measures reflect a cautious approach in regions where healthcare systems may struggle to manage the long-term consequences of widespread vaping.

Malaysia is preparing one of the most comprehensive bans in the region. The government has announced plans to implement a nationwide prohibition on e-cigarettes by mid-2026, pending final legislative approval. Officials describe the decision as inevitable, framing it as a continuation of public health policy rather than a sudden intervention.

Medical organisations in the region have generally supported these measures. In Malaysia, the Malaysian Medical Association has backed the upcoming ban, highlighting the need for preventive action rather than reactive treatment of health crises. Across the Global South, similar reasoning underpins decisions to regulate or prohibit vaping.

The shift reflects a broader recognition that public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as youth, must take priority over commercial interests. As more countries in the Global South move to restrict or ban e-cigarettes, they signal a commitment to preventing nicotine addiction and safeguarding both physical and mental health in the face of emerging global vaping trends.

The government will also simplify paperwork through a one-stop digital portal that allows employers to register migrant workers for health insurance more easily. Each medical visit under the scheme will continue to cost a fixed co-payment of S$5, whether consultations are in person or online.

Singapore’s Minister of Manpower said the reforms will ease pressure on public hospitals, strengthen the country’s health care system and improve preparedness for future health emergencies, while ensuring migrant workers receive timely and reliable care.

"Migrant workers will have shorter travel times, receive help more quickly when they are sick, and experience less disruption to their work and rest schedules."

Launched in 2022, the PCP now covers more than 500,000 migrant workers in sectors such as construction, marine and manufacturing. Officials say about 90% of workers report that healthcare has become more accessible and less expensive since the scheme began.

Several immigrants told local media that after being denied entry, they were later offered access to the same clinics through backdoor arrangements. In some cases, clinic staff allegedly shared private contact details, offering HIV medication, chronic drugs, baby immunisations and prenatal care in exchange for cash payments.

“As immigrants, we feel vulnerable, because clinic staff and Operation Dudula members are now taking advantage of our desperate need for chronic medication to make money. They should be stopped,” an immigrant is quoted by the Citizen .

Patients described being charged between R200 and R300 (approx. US$10 – 16) for antiretroviral drugs that are meant to be free. Others said they were allowed into clinics but deliberately left unattended, making them vulnerable to extortion by intermediaries who claimed to have connections inside.

South Africa’s health department says it is not aware of organised extortion but has condemned any such actions as illegal. “If this is true, it is un law ful, and we condemn it with the strongest terms it deserves. We request anyone with evidence to share it with the department or law enforcement agencies so they can swiftly investigate,” said Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the national health department.

The outbreak has disrupted the lives of children across the country, affecting their education and exposing them to illness and emotional trauma. In a significant incident, 16 out of 62 children died within days in a Kinshasa group home after the disease spread through the facility.

“Congolese children should not be so gravely affected by what is a wholly preventable disease,” said John Agbor, UNICEF DRC Representative. “UNICEF encourages our government partners to increase investments in water, sanitation, hygiene and health services, especially in established cholera hotspots, to better protect the health and well-being of Congolese families and children.”

17 out of the DRC’s 26 provinces have been affected, including the capital city, Kinshasa. On average, children account for 23.4% of reported cases across the country.

Poor access to water and sanitation remains a key factor in the spread of cholera in the DRC. The 2024–2025 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reports that only 43% of the population has access to at least basic water services, the lowest rate in Africa. Only 15% have access to basic sanitation.

The situation is worsened by ongoing conflict, displacement, and insecurity in eastern parts of the country, which limit access to healthcare services. 

To combat the outbreak, the DRC government launched the Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan (PMSEC) 2023–2027, with a proposed budget of $192 million. However, the plan remains underfunded. A mid-term evaluation conducted in May 2025 called for increased investments and better coordination across sectors.

The government also introduced the “River Congo without cholera” initiative, which addresses sanitation issues at river ports, the need for hygiene education among boat crews and passengers, and the lack of access to safe drinking water along the river.

Cholera is a severe diarrhoeal illness caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water containing Vibrio cholerae. Without treatment, the disease can lead to death within hours.

Globally, researchers estimate 1.3 to 4.0 million cholera cases occur annually, with 21,000 to 143,000 deaths. In October, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 6,854 deaths from cholera across 23 African countries in 2025. The overall case fatality rate stood at 2.3%, with 297,394 cases recorded, nearly 50,000 more than the previous year.

Angola and Burundi remain the most severely impacted countries due to poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. While case numbers have declined in South Sudan, Sudan, and the DRC, according to the Africa CDC,  these countries continue to bear the highest burden of the disease.

Nyeri County Director of Medical Services , Dr Nelson Muriu, said diabetes prevalence in some sub-counties has reached alarming levels.

“Nationally, diabetes stands at around eight per cent, but some areas here are recording up to 75 per cent,” he said. “This is a serious burden we cannot ignore.”

Doctors also noted that men are far more likely to delay seeking care, contributing to higher mortality rates. Census data shows women in Nyeri live nearly 10 years longer than men. 

Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, stroke and heart attacks, now make up roughly 80 per cent of NCD cases at Tumutumu Hospital, while cancers such as breast, cervical, prostate, stomach and oesophageal are steadily rising. Many patients seek help only when their disease is already at an advanced stage. 

Oncologist Dr George Oguta said most cancer patients arrive at stage three or four, when treatment options are limited and costly. “Many cannot even afford basic screening,” he added. Health officials link the surge to tobacco use, heavy drinking, poor diets, physical inactivity and increasingly westernised eating habits.

The county is developing programmes aimed at improving health-seeking behaviour, especially among men, as NCDs continue to outpace communicable diseases in the region.

Dr Liu Jianlin, the study’s lead researcher and a research fellow at IMH, said childhood adversity continues to shape a person’s emotional and social development well into adulthood. “Trauma impacts how we relate to others, the way we trust, the way we see ourselves,” she said. “Experiencing very strong emotions at a young age may also impact how we respond later in life,” Straits Times quotes.

The modified i-STAIR programme focuses on strengthening two key skills often disrupted by early trauma: emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. Participants will undergo weekly one-hour sessions for eight months, learning techniques to manage overwhelming emotions and build healthier patterns of communication.

Many adults experiencing what clinicians call subsyndromal depression (SSD), a milder form of depression that affects daily life without meeting full diagnostic criteria, never seek treatment. Yet research shows that around 17% of those with SSD progress to major depressive disorder (MDD). Those with adverse childhood experiences are three times more likely to develop mood or anxiety disorders.

Singapore has no official statistics on SSD because it often goes undiagnosed, making prevention efforts difficult.

Disclaimer: The image used in this article is AI-generated

These figures appear to contrast with Jakarta’s placement in a Time Out survey, in which the London-based lifestyle publication interviewed more than 18,000 residents world wide for its report, “The Happiest Cities in the World 2025.” Jakarta ranked 18th globally and was celebrated for its food scene, culture, and social vibrancy.

But Jakarta’s Deputy Governor Rano Karno insists the numbers don’t tell a contradictory story.

“Jakarta is a happy city,” he said at City Hall. “There’s no such thing as a ‘depressed city.’ Depression occurs in certain regions or groups, not the entire population. We have to survey it.”

How can a ‘happy city’ still have rising depression?

The country’s public-health specialists say global “happiness indexes” often measure lifestyle satisfaction, such as access to entertainment, restaurants, culture, community spirit, and public transportation , not mental-health outcomes. Therefore, a city may offer a lively environment that residents enjoy while still grappling with pressures that worsen mental health, such as long working hours, heavy traffic and long commutes, high living costs, limited access to mental-health services and urban isolation.

The Ministry of Health added that urban centres tend to show higher mental-health burdens precisely because of these stress factors. 

The data shows that mental-health challenges vary across Indonesia. West Java recorded the highest rate, with 4.4% of residents experiencing mental-health issues, more than double the national average.

The crackdown intensified in October with the arrest of Yuto Agarie, alleged leader of a trafficking group. Investigators say they found about 63.84g of etomidate-containing liquid at his home in Urasoe, which they believe was intended for sale. Local police suspect the group was the main supplier in Okinawa, where youth vaping of sedative-laced liquids has raised alarms.

Etomidate is used overseas to induce anaesthesia for surgery, but in vape form it can cause sudden loss of consciousness, loss of motor control and spasms in the hands and legs, doctors warn. The drug is being advertised on encrypted messaging apps and sold via social media , often in flavoured and unflavoured cartridges designed for e-cigarette devices.

In August and September, three Chinese men in their 20s living near Tokyo were arrested for allegedly smuggling around 100g of etomidate from India via Singapore. Japan’s Health Ministry narcotics unit says the suspects took online orders, dissolved the powder into liquid, filled cartridges and sold them repeatedly across the Tokyo area. 

Meanwhile, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime has flagged the trend and reported in March that etomidate and similar compounds have surfaced on illicit markets in East and Southeast Asia in recent years, including China.

Scam and fraud claims against Singapore’s digital banks have more than doubled in 2025, with 94 cases reported in the first eight months, up from 42 in all of 2024. The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (Fidrec) said these cases, worth S$2.5 million, mainly involved compromised credentials and impersonation scams, Straits Times reports. Victims were often deceived by phishing or scammers posing as officials. Fidrec added that claims against digital banks rose from 2.1% of total cases in 2023 to 8.7% in 2025, signalling a worrying trend as online banking expands.

Two Singaporeans arrested in Cambodia-based scam ring

Two Singaporean men, Wayne Soh You Chen and Brian Sie Eng Fa, have been deported and arrested for their alleged roles in a Cambodia-based scam syndicate accused of running government official impersonation scams. The syndicate, believed to be led by fugitive Ng Wei Liang, allegedly defrauded victims in at least 438 cases, costing S$41 million. Straits Times reports both men were captured abroad after months on the run, while 32 other members, including 25 Singaporeans and 7 Malaysians, remain at large.  

Autonomous vehicle testing

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has greenlit Grab and WeRide to conduct autonomous vehicle testing for their Ai.R fleet in Punggol. The trial will pave the way for Singapore’s first public autonomous shuttle service by early 2026. The service will link residents to key areas such as Punggol Coast MRT, bus interchanges, and shopping malls, Business Times reports. The AVs, trained to navigate local road conditions and weather, will gather real-world data to enhance their AI driving models. The programme will see test runs increase fourfold by year-end.  

Study links heavy social media use to mental distress

A national mental health study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has found that young people who spend over three hours daily on social media are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on interviews with 2,600 respondents aged 15 - 35, the research showed that 30.6% reported severe symptoms, while cyberbullying and body image issues were strong contributing factors. IMH noted that youth with higher resilience and social support were less likely to suffer mental health strain. The study was conducted with the Ministry of Health and NUS’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Today Online reports.

5.5% - 7.5% pay rise for low-wage workers

The National Wages Council (NWC) has urged employers to grant built-in wage increases of 5.5% to 7.5% for workers earning up to S$2,700 a month from December 2025 to November 2026. Firms performing well should raise pay at the higher end of the range or by at least S$105 - S$125. The move, which covers about 57,600 workers, comes amid modest GDP growth of 1.5% - 2.5% for 2025 and persistent cost pressures. The council also announced higher pay floors for administrators and drivers under the Occupational Progressive Wages scheme, set to take effect in July 2026.

The robotic system she employs allows for millimetric precision, helping patients walk pain-free just 24 hours after surgery. Vélez’s work not only represents a leap in surgical innovation but also breaks gender barriers in a field historically dominated by men.

“Orthopaedics has always been led by men,” Vélez told Viory, “but I’ve led a group of women, and I hope there will be many more of us in Latin America .”

Strategically located in the city of Barranquilla, close to Central America , the Caribbean, and the southern U.S., Vélez sees the city as a growing hub for medical tourism. Her work gives patients access to U.S.-standard robotic care at home or nearby.

Figures from the Ministry of Health show only modest improvements over the past decade. Kidney donations from deceased donors rose slightly from 6.3 per million people in 2013 to 6.59 in 2023. Liver and heart donations show similar slow growth, far below demand, The Straits Times reports.

To supplement transplants, Singapore also allows whole-body and brain donations for medical education and research under the Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA). In such cases, bodies are collected within six hours and sent to medical schools , including the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. Families may still hold wakes of up to three days before collection.

Medical institutions may retain bodies for up to three years before cremation. Families are then invited to collect ashes, or they are buried at sea if unclaimed.

Disclaimer: The image used in this article is AI-generated.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 59 foreign nationals, who are citizens of China and Malaysia, for their roles in a major cybercrime syndicate uncovered in November 2024. The group was part of 130 suspects arrested during a police raid in Jahi, Abuja, involving large-scale internet fraud and sophisticated hacking schemes, the Punch reports. Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the convictions bring the total number of convicted individuals in the case to 85. “This is a milestone in our efforts to combat cybercrime and safeguard national security,” he said, noting that 21 were sentenced in August and five in September. The case underscores Nigeria’s intensifying crackdown on transnational cybercrime. Student leader warns fraud is damaging Nigeria’s identity

Fraud, cyberattacks threaten Nigeria’s identity

Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Federal Capital Territory (NANS-FCT), ThankGod Chimenem, has urged Nigerian youth to shun cybercrime and online fraud, warning that such acts threaten the nation’s global reputation. Speaking at a cybersecurity summit at the University of Abuja, he called on students to become “protectors and innovators” of Nigeria’s digital future. “In an age where technology powers every aspect of our lives, our ability to innovate and secure our digital systems has become a matter of national importance,” he is quoted by the Punch . He warned that cyberattacks, fake news, and fraud could undermine Nigeria’s rise as a leading digital economy.

Police dismantle interstate armed robbery gang

The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a violent interstate robbery syndicate operating across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Edo States. Four suspects, Taiwo Alabi, Ogedengbe Lewis, Ighodalo Enato Francis, and Osaro Eghe Abiodun, were arrested, including an Uber driver and a church priest. Police recovered weapons, ammunition, a pump-action rifle, an English pistol, and charms, The Nation Online reports. The driver admitted to ferrying the gang for ₦500,000 (approximately US$400) in one night, knowing they carried firearms. Their arrest followed a coordinated operation against rising car theft and highway robberies.

UN delegation to visit Nigeria on IDP progress

A high-level UN delegation will visit Nigeria from October 20 to 22 to assess progress in addressing the country’s 3.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Led by Ugochi Daniels (IOM), Raouf Mazou (UNHCR) and Shoko Noda (UNDP), the mission will engage with government officials and humanitarian agencies. Despite ongoing efforts, 7.8 million people in northern Nigeria still require aid due to insurgency, banditry, and climate displacement. The visit aims to spotlight Nigeria’s resettlement efforts and lingering humanitarian gaps.

1.6 million children to receive measles-rubella vaccines

The government of Taraba State has launched a mass immunisation campaign targeting 1.6 million children against measles, rubella, HPV, and polio. First Lady Angyin Agbu Kefas, speaking in Jalingo, urged parents to ensure full participation. “Let us work hand in hand to ensure that no child is left behind,” she said, assuring that vaccines are safe and essential. The campaign is part of a wider national strategy to prevent a resurgence of preventable childhood diseases.

Under the new law, mentally sound adults diagnosed with an irreversible and terminal illness can personally and in writing request euthanasia, as long as they are Uruguayan citizens or foreign residents. 

It does not allow assisted suicide, in which a patient gives themselves a fatal dosage of a prescription drug. The procedure must be carried out by a healthcare professional and ensures that death occurs in a “painless, peaceful, and respectful manner.”

Euthanasia and assisted suicide differ primarily in who carries out the last act: in assisted suicide, the patient self-administers the prescribed medication, whereas in euthanasia, a doctor administers the lethal substance.

This reform continues Uruguay’s trend of progressive policies. The country had previously legalised marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Public opinion also leaned strongly in favour, with about 62% of Uruguayans supporting the bill. Advocates like Beatriz Gelós, a 71-year-old living with neurodegenerative ALS, described the law as “compassionate, very humane.”

However, opposition came mainly from the Catholic Church. Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, warned that the bill could promote the idea that some lives are “disposable”. 

Emotions ran high during the Senate debate, with some opponents shouting “murderers” after the vote passed.

Where assisted suicide or euthanasia is legal

Latin America

Uruguay’s move follows similar developments elsewhere. While the Latin nation is the first in the region to achieve this through legislation, Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalised the practice via Supreme Court decisions. 

Europe

North America

Australia

Most Australian states now allow voluntary assisted dying for people with terminal illnesses or conditions causing intolerable suffering. Victoria led the way in 2019.

Where legislation is being considered

Europe

Uruguay’s decision adds momentum to the global debate on assisted dying, as more countries look to shift toward laws that prioritise dignity and personal choice at the end of life, with the number of people opting to die with assistance increasing exponentially over the years.

In Canada, the number of assisted deaths more than doubled, rising from 4,480 in 2018 to 10,064 in 2021. 

Out of the over 320,000 deaths that occurred in Canada in 2023, 15,300 of those deaths—roughly one in 20—were medically assisted. 

“The vision that you have through the robot is 3D HD, but it’s up close,” explained Dr. Danelo du Plessis, urologist and senior lecturer at Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University. “You can get much closer to what you’re working on than you would with your naked eye. So it makes it much, much more safe, in my opinion. And the margin of error becomes much smaller than it would be before traditional surgery,” he further told CGTN.

Dr. du Plessis noted that living donor kidney surgery requires preserving the organ’s delicate blood vessels and ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, with their full length and blood supply intact. This level of accuracy is now easier to achieve with robotic assistance.

South Africa faces a chronic shortage of kidney donors, particularly in the public health sector, where resources are stretched. “There is a big need for more kidney donors. But in the government sector, we don’t really have the capacity to do many more,” said Prof. Andre van der Merwe, head of Urology at Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University. “But at least if we do it like this with the robot, the efficiency is so high that the ones that we can do can be done more effectively.”

He added that robotic technology could transform how transplants are performed in the public system, making complex surgeries faster and more predictable.

Indonesia’s Health Ministry has clarified that the declaration of a food poisoning emergency linked to the free nutritious meal programme (MBG) will not trigger a nationwide suspension. Inspector General Murti Utami said only nutrition service units (SPPG) found to be the source of contamination will be halted. “The MBG program is not automatically terminated in all schools in regions declaring a food poisoning emergency. Only problematic SPPGs will be temporarily suspended,” she said on Friday. Murti explained that outbreaks are declared based on epidemiological studies identifying the same toxic substance and food source. She stressed that safety measures and system improvements are being prioritised to protect student beneficiaries.

Large share of East Java grant funds lost to corruption

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has found that only 55 to 70% of East Java’s community grant funds (pokir) from 2019-2022 reached the public, with the rest siphoned off through fees and kickbacks. Acting Deputy for Enforcement Asep Guntur Rahayu said former East Java DPRD chairman Kusnadi received Rp398.7 billion in grant allocations over four years, of which significant portions were diverted. Field coordinators and other actors allegedly split the funds, with Kusnadi taking 15-20%. Asep said Kusnadi pocketed at least Rp79 billion, partly transferred to his wife and staff. The KPK has named 21 suspects in the bribery case, linked to earlier operations that exposed widespread graft in the provincial legislature.

Indonesia extends tax relief to tourism workers as part of stimulus push

The Indonesian government began implementing income tax relief for tourism workers on October 1 as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s economic stimulus. The incentive targets hotel, restaurant, and café employees earning up to IDR 10 million (USD $640) monthly, benefiting about 552,000 workers with a 100% tax subsidy. Budgeted at IDR 120 billion for 2025’s last quarter, the program will extend through 2026 with IDR 480 billion. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said relief may expand to hotel operators as authorities address unregulated villas and structural challenges in Indonesia’s vital tourism industry.

Jakarta vows to shield public programmes amid IDR 15 trillion fund cut

Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has assured Jakarta residents that key social programmes will continue despite the central government’s plan to slash transfer funds by IDR 15 trillion. He said initiatives such as the Jakarta Pinter Card (KJP), the Jakarta Superior Student Card (KJMU) and diploma legalisation support would be protected. “Programs related to the interests of the people [will] not [be] disturbed,” Pramono said on Friday. The governor added that Jakarta must be ready to innovate in financing if revenue-sharing funds (DBH) are reduced. The Jakarta DPRD projects that central transfers will fall to IDR 11 trillion in 2026, a shift that could significantly alter the city’s IDR 95.35 trillion draft budget.

Radioactive drums evacuated, workers get treatment

The government evacuated radioactive waste containing Caesium-137 (Cs-137) from the Cikande Industrial Estate in Serang, Banten. A task force removed 20 drums and other contaminated materials for safe storage, under supervision from the Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten). Police secured the site to prevent the spread. Health checks were done on 1,562 workers within five kilometres, with exposed individuals given blue Prussian medicine to help remove Cs-137. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said the cleanup will continue until the area is declared safe, stressing public safety and transparency.

The infection occurs when contaminated freshwater enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel through the sinuses into the brain, where it destroys tissue.

On September 1, two patients, an infant and a woman, died while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Doctors confirmed both were infected by the same Naegleria fowleri strain. Health officials have since launched 'Jalamanu Jeevan' ('Water is Life'), a statewide chlorination drive targeting wells, swimming pools, and storage tanks.

Authorities are also using the imported drug miltefosine in treatment, but survival rates remain extremely low, Times of India reports.

Outbreak triggers political fallouts

The outbreak has triggered a fierce political debate. In the state assembly this week, the opposition Congress-led UDF accused the ruling LDF government of failing to prevent the spread of the disease, calling the crisis evidence of a “collapse of public health management.”

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan noted that eight people had died in just 15 days, asking what preventive measures were in place and whether enough awareness campaigns had been carried out in communities most at risk.

Health Minister Veena George rejected the criticism, highlighting Kerala’s broader health gains, including a fall in infant mortality and the expansion of free advanced treatments. She accused the opposition of smearing the state’s health sector, but critics said her reliance on comparisons to past administrations avoided addressing present failures.

Meanwhile, aside from PAM, Kerala is also battling jaundice, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid, and diarrhoeal diseases, stretching the state’s health system further. 

The surgery involved implanting a closed-loop brain acquisition and stimulation system (ANS), a device that can monitor brain signals in real time and respond immediately to abnormal neural activity. By reading and stimulating the brain simultaneously, the system allows doctors to precisely regulate irregular brain waves responsible for seizures.

“This technology provides real-time, accurate intervention in abnormal neural activity,” said Professor Guo Yanwu, a neurosurgeon at the hospital. “It gives patients with drug-resistant epilepsy a new avenue for treatment.”

Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, and up to a third of patients do not respond to medication. For children like the 12-year-old patient, repeated seizures can severely impact development and quality of life.

Disclaimer: The image used in this story is AI-generated

China’s progress is not limited to pharmaceuticals. Its domestic industry has also delivered impressive breakthroughs in medical technology . Officials emphasise the successful development of a photon-counting CT scanner, which produces images at much higher resolution while exposing patients to less radiation.

At the same time, Chinese engineers have designed surgical robots that improve precision in operations and reduce trauma for patients. Other technologies, such as artificial hearts, ECMO machines, and heavy-ion therapy systems, have also been rolled out in hospitals across the country.

China is also achieving results in a new therapy for immunotherapy-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer, developed under a national science and technology program. The therapy has dramatically increased treatment response rates and extended survival times.

According to Guo, the therapy has produced the best outcomes internationally in this field.

Meanwhile, the United States remains the global leader in innovative new drug development, with a proven track record in the number of approved drugs and clinical trials.

Southern African countries like Botswana, eSwatini, Namibia, and Zimbabwe have recently reported fresh malaria outbreaks. This shows how hard it still is to eliminate the disease in the region.

Data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) shows a sharp rise in malaria cases in Zimbabwe. By week 23 of 2025, the country had reported 111,998 suspected cases and 310 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 0.27%. During the same period in 2024, there were 29,031 cases and 49 deaths.

It's not just Southern Africa seeing a rise. In Nigeria’s Kano State, officials recently confirmed 2 million cases of malaria infections.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there were 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths in 83 countries in 2023. The African region continues to carry the biggest burden—94% of all malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths happened there.

Children under five made up about 76% of all malaria deaths in the region.

Since then, authorities have reported 28 suspected cases and at least 16 deaths, including four health workers, putting the case fatality rate at about 57%. 

The country’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has activated its Incident Management System, deploying rapid response teams and reinforcing epidemiological surveillance. Triage and isolation facilities have been established, and investigations are underway to identify and monitor contacts.

This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in DRC since the virus was first discovered there in 1976. Officials confirmed the latest flare-up is caused by the Zaire strain, for which a vaccine exists. According to the World Health Organisation, stocks of the vaccine are prepositioned in Kinshasa and are expected to be delivered to affected sites.

Following this, the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) has said the risk of the virus spreading to West Africa is “significant” due to the high volume of travel between the DRC and West African capitals.

The Regional body has therefore urged ECOWAS member states to amongst others, "strengthen surveillance and early warning systems, especially at airports and other entry points for passengers arriving from or transiting through the DRC, reinforce rapid response teams to ensure immediate action if suspected cases are identified," an information note stated.

The warning despite heightened vigilance in West Africa, which suffered a devastating Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016 that killed more than 11,000 people across Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.