WHO, NTU working together to establish global food safety risk assessment framework
The World Health Organization and Nanyang Technological University are working together to look for faster, more cost-effective and reliable ways to assess food safety risks. The goal is to arrive at a globally recognised assessment framework for novel foods, such as lab-grown meat and synthetic ingredients. The WHO and NTU will also set up the world's first centre on food safety and nutrition, which will offer courses on such new approaches over the next two years.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
Commentary: I am 86 and have dementia, but I still have much to give
SINGAPORE: I am now 86 years old, and I have Alzheimer's disease – a type of dementia. But I still have much to give. I can still sing, play mahjong and even write. As a matter of fact, I'm now in the midst of writing my memoir. I hope that by sharing my story, I will be able to inspire others facing similar challenges and encourage a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with dementia. LOST IN THE DARK In Singapore, about one in 11 people aged 60 years and above are living with dementia, according to a 2024 study by the Institute of Mental Health. This corresponds to about 74,000 older adults living with dementia in Singapore. As our population continues to age, this number is expected to increase to 152,000 by 2030. I used to have a good memory, which came in handy during my teaching career especially when it came to teaching thousands of kids over the decades. I began my career after my O-Levels at 16 years old, teaching maths at schools across Singapore before furthering my education. I later became the discipline master of Raffles Institution, and then principal of Commonwealth Secondary School and, subsequently, Bedok North Secondary School. Suffice it to say, education has been my life's calling. For me, the changes came quietly, almost unnoticeably at first. I would forget where I placed my keys and sometimes, where I parked my car, but I thought this was a normal part of ageing. One evening though, as I drove home from my tutee's house – a route I'd travelled countless times before – the roads felt strangely unfamiliar. I found myself driving in circles, feeling uncertain and unsettled. Eventually, I found my way back, but the incident scared me. I decided it was time to go for a check-up. What followed was a series of tests and eventually my worst fears were confirmed – I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. THE DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis was a blow to my sense of self. Frustration, disappointment and helplessness settled in as I tried to process my new reality. They told me this disease would slowly take away my sharpness, my speech and my independence - parts of me I thought I'd always have. Although I've tried to stay positive, it hasn't always been easy. Over time, I've struggled to recall names and places. I also take a longer time to think through and resolve problems. Tasks I once performed with ease, such as operating a remote control, now require extra effort because the different buttons can be confusing. There's also the fear of rejection – the worry that others might not understand me or may grow frustrated at having to repeat themselves. Some friendships have quietly slipped away because I can no longer recall the people, our bond, or the moments we once shared. But I've learned to navigate these challenges by surrounding myself with supportive family and friends who celebrate my victories, big and small. LIVING WITH THE DISEASE Not long after my diagnosis, I was referred to Dementia Singapore, the leading social service agency in specialised dementia care. There, I found a community that understands my situation. Through activities like memory cafes, exercise programmes and even opportunities to become an advocate for others, I'm reminded that life shouldn't have to stop because of my diagnosis. I've also learned strategies to help manage the progression of the condition. For example, I follow a structured daily routine to create a sense of stability and familiarity. Around the house, I keep a whiteboard as a visual reminder, where I jot down appointments and tasks to keep myself organised. Most importantly, I stay active by sharing my experiences as a co-facilitator at Voices for Hope, a programme that aims to empower people living with dementia and their care partners on a self-advocacy journey. In 2021, I wrote a poem called Forget Me Not that encapsulates my experience living with this condition. It was published by Dementia Singapore in 2023. WHAT I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW Here's what I want people to understand. People with early-stage dementia can be active, engaged and lead fulfilling lives. We just need a little understanding and patience. To those newly diagnosed, I would like to say: don't despair, stay positive, continue engaging in activities you love and explore ways to manage your condition. Life doesn't stop with a diagnosis; it simply takes a different path. For care partners, I urge you to be patient, accepting and most importantly, respectful. Give your loved ones space to find ways to improve their cognitive abilities and encourage independence and support without being overprotective. This is a partnership, not a one-way street. That's why I prefer the term 'care partner' over 'caregiver'. It carries the warmth and understanding that we're in this together, working hand in hand. At this stage, dementia may change how we experience our journey, but the treasures of past still often remain accessible. While new information becomes harder to retain, it hasn't diminished our capacity to connect with others and live a life full of purpose.
CNA
9 hours ago
- CNA
WHO, NTU working together to establish global food safety risk assessment framework
The World Health Organization and Nanyang Technological University are working together to look for faster, more cost-effective and reliable ways to assess food safety risks. The goal is to arrive at a globally recognised assessment framework for novel foods, such as lab-grown meat and synthetic ingredients. The WHO and NTU will also set up the world's first centre on food safety and nutrition, which will offer courses on such new approaches over the next two years.
CNA
12 hours ago
- CNA
Great Eastern stops issuing pre-authorisation certificates for admission to Mount Elizabeth hospitals
SINGAPORE: Insurer Great Eastern from Tuesday (Jun 17) stopped issuing pre-authorisation certificates for policyholders admitted to Mount Elizabeth hospitals in Novena and Orchard. According to a notice on its Health Connect website, it said such certificates will still be available for other hospitals and day surgery centres. Pre-authorisation refers to the insurer's approval of coverage for medical costs before treatment. In response to CNA's queries, a spokesperson for Great Eastern said: "We have observed that, over the past few years, certain private hospitals have been charging significantly more for similar treatment." The move is part of the company's "ongoing efforts to manage rising healthcare costs and ensure long-term affordability for all policyholders". "We want to assure our policyholders that there is no change to their coverage, and they can still receive treatment and submit claims as usual with no impact to their benefits," the spokesperson added. For example, both hospitals can still issue electronic letters of guarantees or file claims to Great Eastern, where the claims will be assessed according to the terms and conditions of their policy. All eligible and covered claims will be paid, said the spokesperson. Letters of guarantees can be requested when patients are unable to settle the pre-admission deposit for day surgery and inpatient hospital treatments. It can be used to waive the deposit for up to S$50,000 (US$38,900) in private hospitals. Any pre-authorisation certificates issued before Jun 17 will be honoured, added the spokesperson. HEALTHCARE GROUP "SURPRISED" The two Mount Elizabeth hospitals are part of IHH Healthcare Singapore, the largest private healthcare provider in the country. Gleneagles Hospital and Parkway East Hospitals, also owned by the group, are not affected by the cessation of pre-authorisation certifications. The suspension 'surprised' IHH Healthcare Singapore, which has been in active discussion with Great Eastern over the past few months, the group's chief operating officer and chief executive officer of Mount Elizabeth Hospital Mr Yong Yih Ming told CNA on Wednesday. Mr Yong said: 'We do not agree with GE's claim about higher prices at two of our hospitals for similar procedures and case profiles. "Each of our hospitals has different focus and areas of excellence - Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital house facilities and equipment that allow specialists to manage patients and perform surgeries that are not available at other hospitals.' This is also why some of the more complex cases are managed at these two hospitals, he said. Great Eastern policyholders who are undergoing medical care by specialists at the Mount Elizabeth hospitals, or have treatment records there, will continue to have cashless access to hospital admissions. 'This ensures that these patients do not need to worry about cash outlay for their treatment,' said Mr Yong. 'We are also working closely with our specialists to avail price packages to patients, to help manage their cost of care.' In response to CNA's query on what the two hospitals would have to demonstrate for certificates to be issued again, Great Eastern said it encouraged policyholders to contact its medical care concierge for information on their "various options" for treatment. "This includes suggesting private and public hospitals where they could seek treatment, along with their respective costs and how much Great Eastern will cover for each, depending on the type of plan they hold," said the spokesperson. "This service has been specially designed to provide peace of mind, transparency, and help them make informed decisions." In response to CNA's query on whether AIA Singapore would be pausing pre-authorisation certificates to the hospitals, the company said on Wednesday that it continues to work closely with the Life Insurance Association of Singapore, the Ministry of Health and professional medical associations to manage healthcare cost inflation to ensure the continued accessibility of quality healthcare for policyholders. AIA Singapore did not state if it has a pre-authorisation arrangement with the Mount Elizabeth hospitals and if so, if it would continue with the coverage in the wake of Great Eastern's move.
