Swiss health regulator approves first antimalarial for infants weighing 2-5kg
In a statement, Swissmedic said the authorization procedure involved close collaboration with national regulatory authorities from eight African countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Malaria Program also participated in the scientific assessment. The next step is to ensure timely national access after the collaborative assessment.
Before the introduction of Coartem Baby, there was no approved malaria treatment for infants weighing less than 4.5 kg. As a result, these newborns were often treated with formulations intended for older children, which may increase the risk of overdose and toxicity, according to Novartis.
The new treatment, "ensuring even the smallest and most vulnerable can finally receive the care they deserve," is dissolvable, including in breast milk, and has a sweet cherry flavor to make it easier to administer.
According to the World Malaria Report 2024 published by the WHO, the WHO African Region accounted for about 94 percent of malaria cases and 95 percent of malaria deaths globally in 2023,with 76 percent of all deaths in this region among children under the age of five.
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Vietnam facing worsening African swine fever outbreaks
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The Star
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AI can be used to spread health disinformation
Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed many fields of human activity, including healthcare. It is increasingly used to analyse complex medical and healthcare data, and has the potential to diagnose diseases, develop personalised treatment plans, and assist clinicians' decision-making. While AI has the potential to enhance patients' care in their healthcare journeys, there are unresolved issues related to data privacy, bias and the need for human expertise, which has to be addressed for the responsible and effective use of AI in healthcare. The public obtains substantial health information from multiple electronic sources and this has been propagated by social media. AI has led to negative impacts on individual and public health. This column addresses AI and health misinformation and disinformation. Infodemic of misinformation and disinformation The World Health Organization (WHO) distinguishes misinformation from disinformation. 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As the pandemic spread, social media postings and the virus' spread stoked fear; uncertainties about treatments and the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions like social distancing, masking etc; and the safety and effectiveness of the new vaccines, among others. This caused societal turmoil and fear, protests in some countries, and delayed or no vaccine uptake, as well as increased death rates in some countries or regions. During the pandemic, the WHO introduced the term 'infodemic', which is 'too much information, including false or misleading information, in digital and physical environments during a disease outbreak. 'It causes confusion and risk-taking behaviours that can harm health. 'It also leads to mistrust in health authorities and undermines the public health response. 'An infodemic can intensify or lengthen outbreaks when people are unsure about what they need to do to protect their health and the health of people around them. 'With growing digitisation – an expansion of social media and internet use – information can spread more rapidly. 'This can help to more quickly fill information voids, but can also amplify harmful messages'. AI and health disinformation The benefits of AI have been touted by many policymakers and healthcare professionals. Advancements in AI, particularly for large language models (LLMs), are impacting on public health, with millions turning to AI tools for health-related advice. But how reliable is the health advice from these tools? Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) and Flinders University in Australia, Harvard Medical School in the United States, University College London in Britain and the Warsaw University of Technology in Poland reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine on June 24 (2025), how easy it is to exploit the weaknesses in machine learning systems by using disinformation tools that the public have access to. The researchers evaluated five foundational and most advanced AI systems developed by OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, Meta and X Corp to determine whether they could be programmed to operate as health disinformation chatbots. Using instructions available only to developers, the researchers programmed each AI system (designed to operate as chatbots when embedded in web pages) to produce incorrect responses to health queries and included fabricated references from highly reputable sources to sound more authoritative and credible. The 'chatbots' were then asked 10 health-related questions. The researchers reported that: 'Of the 100 health queries posed across the five customised LLM API chatbots, 88 (88%) responses were health disinformation. 'Four of the five chatbots (GPT-4o, Gemini 1.5 Pro, Llama 3.2-90B Vision and Grok Beta) generated disinformation in 100% (20 of 20) of their responses, whereas Claude 3.5 Sonnet responded with disinformation in 40% (eight of 20). 'The disinformation included claimed vaccine-autism links, HIV being airborne, cancer-curing diets, sunscreen risks, genetically-modified organism conspiracies, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and depression myths, garlic replacing antibiotics, and 5G causing infertility. 'Exploratory analyses further showed that the OpenAI GPT Store could currently be instructed to generate similar disinformation. 'Overall, LLM APIs and the OpenAI GPT Store were shown to be vulnerable to malicious system-level instructions to covertly create health disinformation chatbots.' Study lead author and UniSA pharmacy lecturer Dr Natansh Modi said: 'If these systems can be manipulated to covertly produce false or misleading advice, then they can create a powerful new avenue for disinformation that is harder to detect, harder to regulate, and more persuasive than anything seen before. 'This is not a future risk. It is already possible, and it is already happening.' He added that effective safeguards are technically achievable. 'However, the current protections are inconsistent and insufficient. 'Developers, regulators and public health stakeholders must act decisively, and they must act now. 'Without immediate action, these systems could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate public health discourse at scale, particularly during crises such as pandemics or vaccine campaigns.' Take these actions The message from the study is clear, i.e. 'Trust your doctor, not the chatbox.' The comment in the New England Journal of Medicine 's Journal Watch on July 1 (2025) is unambiguous: 'The danger is clear and present: Anyone can create AI chatbots that generate authoritative answers with fabricated peer-reviewed references and disseminate false health information – no coding required. 'What can we do? ... writers remind us of the SIFT method: 'Stop and think; 'Investigate sources; 'Find other sources; and 'Trace claims to their origins. 'Critical thinking is our defence against AI misinformation and can help us build a culture of informed scepticism before harm is done.' Individuals can do much on their own to address health misinformation and disinformation, such as: Getting accurate health information from your doctor and other healthcare professionals, and/or from websites of regulators and professional organisations Looking out for emotional red flags online Using fact-checking tools Doing reverse image search by copying the image or the image's URL into the search bar of an image search tool Spotting spoof websites Spotting fake social media accounts Countering the misinformation or disinformation by not sharing it, correcting it, debunking it and reporting it Engaging with friends, colleagues and family to deal with the problem of health misinformation and disinformation Addressing health misinformation and disinformation in the community. Regulators have a vital role in addressing health misinformation and disinformation. Their actions can include: Ensuring there are robust screening and accountability safeguards to ensure public health safety with rapidly evolving digital technologies Addressing the public health impact of health misinformation and disinformation Establishing best practices for prevention by ensuring their websites provide current and accurate health information Sharing toolkits from other regulators Investing in research on misinformation and disinformation Modernising public health communications Increasing resources to help states and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to better address questions, concerns, misinformation and disinformation Expanding efforts to build long-term resilience to misinformation and disinformation like educational programmes. In summary, there is an urgent need for regulators, especially the government, to address the use of AI in health misinformation and disinformation. Dr Milton Lum is a past president of the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations and the Malaysian Medical Association. For more information, email starhealth@ The views expressed do not represent that of organisations that the writer is associated with. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
When ‘chubby' turns costly: The high NCD risk behind childhood obesity
KUALA LUMPUR - "So cute!' This phrase still rings out at family gatherings, often directed at chubby, round-faced children with hearty appetites - signs of them being "healthy and happy'. For generations, a little extra weight on a child was seen as a sign of well-being. But health experts warn that this mindset is outdated and increasingly risky for a child's long-term health. Childhood obesity is far from harmless. It is a serious medical condition linked to long-term health complications, including noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), most commonly type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver and even some cancers. As long as society continues to view chubbiness as cute and harmless, children will continue to pay the price with their health. MALAYSIA'S NCD BURDEN According to Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, senior consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and UM Specialist Centre (UMSC), many global organisations have recognised obesity as a disease. Dr Muhammad Yazid, Professor of paediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, also said obesity is not just about size or body mass index (BMI) exceeding a certain level, but is dangerous due to its association with chronic NCDs, which can severely impact health and even be fatal. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs are caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly three-quarters of global NCD deaths (32 million) occur. According to a 2024 report, 'Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in Malaysia: The Case for Investment' (jointly prepared by the Ministry of Health Malaysia [MOH], WHO and the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on NCDs), each year, NCDs in Malaysia cause 72 percent of all premature deaths. Economic analysis of data from 2021 has estimated that NCDs cause RM64.2 billion in economic losses per year, including RM12.4 billion in healthcare expenditure and disability payments, and RM 51.8 billion in productivity losses. The total social and economic losses due to NCDs is equivalent to 4.2 percent of the nation's gross domestic product. The 2024 report also highlighted another concern: Malaysia is experiencing the double burden of malnutrition and undernutrition, and overweight and obesity, causing diet-related NCDs. FATTY LIVER Dr Yazid said obese children are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes earlier than usual. "I've treated children as young as eight years old who had type 2 diabetes, which usually affects older adults. "These children (with diabetes) often also have cholesterol issues, putting them at risk of heart disease much earlier than other people. When we see people having a heart attack at age 40, we used to think they are too young to get it, but now people as young as 28 are having heart attacks due to severe obesity at a young age, plus cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes,' he said. More concerning, he added, is their research showing that even children can suffer from fatty liver disease. "If it begins too early, it can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis, significantly raising the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer,' he explained. He added that excessive obesity increases the risk of other cancers, such as colon, breast and gynaecological cancers. "Obese children may also develop sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing (repeatedly) stops (and starts) while sleeping. This can cause the right side of the heart to enlarge or thicken, increase pressure in the lungs and potentially lead to death during sleep,' he said, adding children also risk developing bow legs due to the stress of supporting their excess weight. LIFELONG OBESITY RISK Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) found that 29.8 percent of children aged five to 17 fall into the categories of overweight (15 percent) and obese (14.8 percent). On May 24, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni was quoted by the media as saying that, based on NHMS data, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children is continuing to rise. "For children under the age of five, the rate increased from 5.6 percent in 2019 to six percent in 2022. "For adolescents aged 13 to 17, the prevalence rose from 28.5 percent in 2017 to 30.5 percent in 2022, indicating that one in three children is experiencing overweight or obesity issues,' he said. Pointing to the rising number of overweight and obese children in Malaysia, Dr Yazid said if the issue is not controlled, they will add to the nation's overall obesity statistics in adulthood. "Statistics show that 70 to 80 percent of children aged six to eight who are overweight or obese will remain obese as adults. Out of 10 obese seven-year-olds, only three will achieve a normal weight in adulthood,' he said. Excess weight results from consuming more calories than needed, often due to unhealthy eating and lack of exercise and physical activity, he said, adding that sleeping late or insufficient sleep can also contribute to obesity as tired children tend to feel hungrier during the day. "When children lack sleep or have poor sleep quality, they eat more the next day due to fatigue. Like adults, they tend to choose sugary, high-calorie and fatty foods to regain energy. "Even if they know the food is unhealthy, their brain is already wired to crave such food,' he explained. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE IMPACT While genetics plays a role, Dr Yazid noted that environment and habits matter more. He said studies show that if one parent is obese, the child's risk of obesity increases fivefold, and if both parents are obese, the risk goes up 13 times. "Only a very small number - less than two percent - of obesity cases are due to genetic syndromes. Most cases are due to the environment (they live in) as obese parents tend to eat more and exercise less, and their children follow suit. "In a study ('MyHeART') that we did, we assessed the fitness levels of teens aged 13, 15 and 17. Fewer than 10 percent were genuinely fit and less than 30 percent engaged in useful physical activities daily. "Our calorie intake far outweighs calorie burn due to our sedentary lifestyle. Food is easily accessible… just order and it's delivered to your door,' he said, adding that another study has shown that Malaysian teenagers are generally not physically active. He also pointed out a lack of awareness about the importance of Physical and Health Education (PJK) classes in schools. "PJK is often sidelined, seen as unimportant and frequently sacrificed for other academic activities. But that short session is the only chance some students have to exercise and sweat, which is vital for their health. "After school, many kids just spend time on their gadgets and (online) games, staying indoors instead of going to the park or playing football or cycling. When we talk about this issue, (parents) will raise concerns about safety, unpredictable weather and other things. "This is where local authorities and the government must play a role by providing safe and well-maintained recreational areas where local communities can exercise and participate in physical activities, thus fostering a healthier lifestyle,' he said. While the medical challenges of obesity are daunting, treatment options are available - though not without their own limitations. METFORMIN Rejecting claims that childhood obesity in Malaysia is only an urban issue caused by busy parents, financial status and access to food, Dr Yazid said the situation has changed. "In the United States, many obese persons come from low-income groups because healthy, nutritious and high-quality food is expensive. In contrast, in China, it's the wealthy who tend to be obese due to access to a wide variety of food. "In Malaysia today, those with money can afford to eat a lot, while those without money eat whatever is available, regardless of whether it's healthy, high in sugar, salt or otherwise,' he said. Regarding appropriate weight-loss medications for children, Dr Yazid said currently, no drug has been specifically approved for those under 12. He said metformin, a medicine to treat type 2 diabetes, has many side effects when given to children under 10, such as stomach ache, flatulence and discharge of oily stool. "We can't give school kids this medicine as they may have an 'accident' in school and be teased by their friends,' he said. Dr Yazid added that while metformin is "not popular for children under 12, we will consider it in certain cases'. "Metformin is used for type 2 diabetes and can be given to children aged 10 and above who show signs of insulin resistance or prediabetes. The aim is to reverse their health issues before they develop full-blown diabetes.' This medication is usually taken for up to a year for weight loss, but some patients may need to take it for more than a year to prevent extreme weight gain and their insulin resistance from worsening, he said, adding scientific data has shown that the use of metformin can reverse prediabetes in 50 to 70 percent of cases. LIRAGLUTIDE, BARIATRIC SURGERY Referring to a study conducted and co-authored by him together with several of the world's leading medical experts, titled "Liraglutide for Children 6 to Less Than 12 Years of Age with Obesity - A Randomised Trial' ( Dr Yazid said their research involved the use of liraglutide - an injectable medication suitable for obese children aged six to under 12, to help reduce their appetite. The study, published in 'The New England Journal of Medicine' in September 2024, found that treatment with liraglutide for 56 weeks, combined with lifestyle interventions, resulted in a significantly greater reduction in BMI compared to placebo combined with lifestyle interventions. "Liraglutide tends to be more effective in children and youth than adults, with fewer side effects compared to other medications. We only prescribe it after all other weight loss efforts fail,' he said, adding that liraglutide costs about RM1,900 per month, making it unaffordable for many families. As for bariatric surgery, he said it is seen as a last resort for extremely obese children at risk of developing NCDs. However, it is not recommended for children who have not reached puberty due to potential disruption to growth. "Currently, bariatric surgery is not performed on children unless under very specific conditions, usually in cases of extreme obesity where obesity-related diseases have started to develop. It can be done for adolescents who have stopped growing and entered adulthood,' he said. Bariatric surgery is performed to reduce the size of the stomach, making the patient feel full quickly even with small meals. However, it also reduces nutrient absorption, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if not properly managed. "Post-surgery, patients must continue to consult doctors and dietitians to ensure they get the right supplements. For instance, a lack of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, while vitamin K deficiency can cause bleeding and bruising. In the US, (there was a case of ) a patient (who) became blind after undergoing bariatric surgery due to a lack of vitamin A,' he said. RAMPANT SALE OF JUNK FOOD Beyond hospitals and clinics, the everyday environments children are exposed to - especially at school - also play a critical role in shaping their eating habits and long-term health. Sharing their concerns over the increasingly rampant sale of sugary drinks, snacks and fast food, including outside school gates, several parents interviewed by Bernama described the situation as a "threat' to their children's health. Siti Balkis, 42, a government employee, said almost every day her children, particularly the two younger ones who are in primary school, would buy ice cream, snacks or 'jelly balls' (colourful jelly candies) after school as the street vendors are just a few steps away from the school gate. "Every time after school, they want to buy something. It's hard to stop them because the stuff is right there in front of them. Children are easily influenced, especially by the bright and attractive packaging. "Sometimes, we as parents don't even know what our children are eating because many different types of snacks are available in the market these days,' said the mother of four. Father of two Muhammad Saufi, 39, meanwhile, said the presence of vendors selling food high in sugar, salt and other additives outside school premises calls for stricter action from the authorities. "The types of food being sold also need to be monitored because most of them are unhealthy. Kids may love the taste of these snacks, but they can have serious health effects,' he said, suggesting that schools work together with Parent-Teacher Associations and local councils to more closely monitor the sale of food outside school gates and promote healthier alternatives at affordable prices. As Malaysia grapples with the long-term consequences of childhood obesity, experts stressed that treatment alone is not enough. Early prevention, public awareness and stronger enforcement of regulations are crucial to breaking the cycle before it burdens the nation further. From sugar-laden drinks sold outside school gates to inherited risks compounded by sedentary routines, this issue demands urgent, multi-pronged actions - not just to manage weight but to safeguard the future health and productivity of the nation's younger generation. Tomorrow: Behind every overweight child is a hidden struggle - not just with their health but with their confidence, emotions and sense of self. In Part Three, we uncover the silent mental toll of childhood obesity. - BERNAMA
